Los Angeles, CA and Nashville, TN –September 30, 2009—Every 9 seconds, Soles4Souls, Inc. gives away another pair of shoes to someone in need.  The shoe charity has earned glowing endorsements from Hollywood stars and professional athletes, but the people that truly make the non-profit organization effective are those who clean out their closets to personally drop off their “gently worn” shoes at a participating location, such as Flip Flop Shops.

Soles4Souls and Flip Flop Shops will be collecting your gently worn footwear and/or monetary donations to ship the shoes to a person in need, whether they are victims of a natural disaster or subject to living in extreme poverty.  It is estimated that Americans have 1.5 billion pairs of unused shoes lying in their closets.  The charity can use each and every one of these pairs to make a tangible difference in someone's life.

“We can use the shoes taking up space in your closet to change the world one pair at a time,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls, Inc.  “We need our partners in Los Angeles to 'STEP UP' and get behind our call for action.  It’s one of the most simple yet profound gifts you can make, because it will greatly improve someone’s life in the most difficult of times,” he said.

“Flip Flop Shops® is the authentic retailer of the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals. It's more than just a shop...it's a lifestyle.  Live, work and play with your toes exposed and the freedom of flip flops on your feet.” 

“Partnering with Soles4Souls is natural for us,” said Randi Wilson of Flip Flop Shops. “Soles4Souls reflects fundamental aspects of the Flip Flop Shops brand and culture. This decision is more than an act of philanthropy; this is the alignment of two organizations that are passionate about helping those in need by providing footwear and the independence, confidence and support associated with a pair of shoes.”


People and companies interested in donating can visit the organization’s website at www.giveshoes.org, and follow the instructions. 

About Soles4Souls™
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. The charity distributes these shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 5.5 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 9 seconds.) The shoes have been distributed to people in over 125 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls has been featured in Runner's World, Ladies’ Home Journal, National Geographic’s Green Guide and The New York Times.  It has appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, BBC, CNN and thousands of regional news outlets across North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Anyone can join our cause, and we need your help. Visit www.giveshoes.org <http://www.giveshoes.org>  for more information.