CRYSTAL LAKE IL (January 21, 2010) – Soles4Souls (www.giveshoes.org) and New Balance Crystal Lake (www.nbcrystallake.com) have joined forces to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

New Balance Crystal Lake will collect footwear to support Soles4Souls’ commitment to donate more than 1 million pairs of shoes to affected areas. Beginning March 1 2010 through April 30 2010, customers at New Balance Crystal Lake will have the opportunity to drop off their gently worn shoes.

New Balance Crystal Lake will also offer a $10.00 discount on a new pair of shoes with the donation of a worn pair under their 10th annual “Trade ‘Em In” sale.

Soles4Souls has partnered with Operation Compassion, a charity that mobilizes support for victims of natural disasters around the world, to transport and distribute the aid. Thirty containers of supplies, including work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes and clothing items, are already en route to Haiti. “As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We deeply appreciate the support of New Balance Crystal Lake and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors and volunteers as they work in horrific conditions.”

The death toll from Tuesday’s quake continues to rise, and survivors and rescuers are facing dire health conditions including stifling heat, lack of clean water, broken glass and raw sewage.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with the Sole4Souls organization,” said Katie Van Diggelen, Owner. “With footwear being such a significant part of our business, Soles4Souls was a natural fit and we are happy to be a destination for our customers to contribute to Haitian Relief.”

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.nbcrystallake.com

About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

About New Balance Crystal Lake
New Balance is the only athletic shoe manufacturer still making shoes in the US. Our store in Crystal Lake is a ProCare Certified retailer with a Certified Pedorthist on staff. New Balance Crystal Lake is the only Chicagoland area shoe retailer who offers truly professional fitting and advice for free while offering the full line of New Balance Athletic shoes and apparel, as well as Dunham and Aravon, both trusted new balance brands that cater to business and dress casual footwear.