Shelter from the Storm

PAYLESS SHOESOURCE NAMES SHELTER FROM THE STORM NATIONAL RECIPIENT OF "SHOES 4 KIDS" PROGRAM

PALM DESERT: December 4, 2009 – Payless ShoeSource has named Shelter From The Storm one of 700 nonprofit organizations nationally as a recipient of its special “Shoes 4 Kids” program this holiday season.

Payless is donating free $15 gift certificates for shoes to be given to children of families served through the agency’s residential programs throughout the Coachella Valley. The certificates can be redeemed locally at any ShoeSource location.

Shelter From The Storm is the valley’s only provider of emergency shelter-based services for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

“We know that a great pair of shoes can lift spirits and bring a huge smile to children’s faces, especially when they get to pick the shoes themselves, which makes the gift even more powerful.  And we know what an amazing holiday gift this will be to so many children and families in need,” said Payless ShoeSource CEO, LuAnn Via.

“Shelter From The Storm is extremely grateful and proud to have been selected a national participant in this program.  It will truly brighten the holidays for children served by our agency at a time when heartfelt giving means so much to them,” said Shelter from the Storm Executive Director, Lynn Moriarty.

Shelter From The Storm serves some 2,500 women and children annually through its five valley program locations.  Key operations include a 72-bed emergency shelter with two onsite schools, substance abuse and life skills programs and a medical clinic, long-term transitional housing, a community counseling center, outreach crisis intervention centers, teen dating violence prevention and education in schools, and ongoing community awareness, education and training  programs.