Payless Shoes launches Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program.

Payless ShoeSource is launching a first-of-its-kind national, grass roots shoe-gifting campaign, the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program, aimed at delivering $1 million of shoes ˆ more than 65,000 pairs — to American families of children in need through a partnership network of local non-profit organizations across the nation.

Payless is giving more than 65,000 $15 gift coupons redeemable through Jan. 31, 2009, towards a pair of shoes at any of the more than 3,600 stores across America (excluding Shopko stores).

“With the economic challenges in America today, the underprivileged are hurt more than any other group. Now more than ever, it‚s important to step up and help out,” said Gaby Alban spokesperson for Payless ShoeSource in the Hispanic market.

“A great pair of shoes can lift spirits, bolster self confidence and bring a huge smile to a child’s face. We are happy to help families across America with the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program this holiday season.”

“Holidays can be stressful enough, but in today‚s economy with rising unemployment, high gas and food prices, we want to take one thing off parents‚ plates and alleviate this basic need for thousands of families this holiday season,” Alban said.