Hope For Youth

Payless Gives Towards Hope

Back in January we were honored to announce that once again Hope For Youth was chosen as a Payless Gives grant awardee.  And just like last year Payless did not disappoint!

Earlier in the month various HFY programs shopped till they dropped at local Payless locations using gift cards that were part of the $1000 grant awarded to Hope For Youth.

The timing couldn’t be better as those back-to-school shoes for many were beginning to realize the end of a long winter.  On April 9 children and youth from our Community Reinvestment and our Supervision & Treatment Programs shopped at the Westfield South Shore Mall location while on April 10 residents of our group homes and Therapeutic Foster Care program paid a visit to Payless in Massapequa’s Westfield Mall.

Aside from the much-needed shoes some of our residents took advantage of sales and coupons stretching this special gift a bit further. Going home with belts and socks added to a newly restored sense of dignity that this event was able to bestow upon kids that typically struggle with overcoming poverty and neglect.

Adding to the happiness of shopping for new shoes and accessories, the sprees also brought with them an opportunity for foster parents and care workers to engage the kids and teens in a lesson of financial literacy.  Placing the concept of spending money into a practical exercise offered our youth a chance to experience a value versus vanity scenario – an exploration often unchartered by vulnerable children and youth.

We are grateful for the continued support that Payless’ philanthropic program Payless Gives™ Shoes 4 Kids has afforded us.  Through the program, we are a trusted beneficiary receiving part of the $1 million in new shoes generously donated each year for children and youth in need.

 

Check out pictures of the event in our photo gallery.