Christmas came early for some boys and girls today, as Payless ShoeSource gave back through their ‘Shoes4Kids’ program to less fortunate children across the island.

Thirty tiny tots from both the Maxfield Park and Homestead Child Care Facilities came into Payless ShoeSource (Sovereign) to get to get their Christmas fits free of cost. They were met with attendants dressed like Santa’s helpers. 

These little boys and girls got their sizes taken and were each assisted in selecting a pair of shoes, either for school in January or their upcoming Christmas party. 

The thirty children who got fitted today are just a small percentage of the four hundred kids that Payless, through the Shoes4Kids program, will provide shoes for this Christmas. These other children will be selected from childcare facilities across the island by the Child Development Agency and will be receiving their shoes throughout the Christmas period. 

Nekeisha Critchlow, manager at Payless ShoesSource Jamaica explained to teenAGE that this is the fourth year for the program in Jamaica, and that it has given over four million JMD in shoes since its inception, while Payless the parent company has been pioneering this charity initiative worldwide since 2008. 

“Giving back is an important part of who Payless is, and this partnership with the CDA is one we look forward to every year… Proper fitting shoes are a crucial part of good child development.” Critchlow said. 

With smiles on their faces and new shoes in their hands, it was evident that christmas was off to a good start for the children who were eager to show off their gifts.

The days festivities continued with face painting for the children, lunch and an exciting movie to end the day.