Begun in 1993, the Sneaker Exchange was designed to raise a child's self-esteem and well-being through the simple act of providing children with adequate shoes for school.
Teachers and staff at all public schools in Indian River County identify children to participate in the program based on a variety of family hardships. Elementary students who are chosen to participate are taken to the Payless Shoe Source and are given the opportunity to pick out one pair of tennis shoes and are given a new pair of socks. Secondary students receive vouchers to pick out their shoes at Payless Shoe Source.
In 2003, the Sneaker Exchange was transitioned to the Educational Foundation of Indian River County. To date, over 10,000 pairs of shoes and socks have been distributed to children in Indian River County.
are given the opportunity to pick out one pair of tennis shoes and are given a new pair of socks. Secondary students receive vouchers to pick out their shoes at Payless Shoe Source.
