LIDS Hat Blog

Season of Giving

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid on Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

For seven years, Genesco and LIDS have outfitted an entire school with new shoes, hats, gloves and t-shirts through the Cold Feet, Warm Shoes and Hats initiative. This program, which was started by Nashville-based Genesco, the parent company of LIDS, seeks to empower underserved youth with the power of choice. In just one day, volunteers from both offices transform a school's gym into a full-service shoe store.  Every child is brought into the "store," sized for a new pair of shoes and allowed to select their favorite pair.  They also get a package of socks, a Colts knit hat and a tee shirt.  Even Colts players like Gary Brackett are on hand to interact with the children and help make this day one that they will remember for years to come.

This event translates into three hours of pure joy for these kids, as they have no idea what to expect until the moment they walk in the gymnasium.  Personally, the smiles on their faces do more for me and all of us there than any pair of shoes will ever do for them.   As happy as these kids are, we as a company leave the school even happier.  The holidays are about giving, especially to those who are less fortunate.  The only thing better than giving back, is giving back as a group.  When you can share it with hundreds of your co-workers it just lifts your spirits.  For me, it is the start of my holiday season and reminds me of how blessed I really am. I would like to thank all the volunteers from LIDS and Genesco for the hard work and dedication put into making this event what it is.  And most importantly, I would like to send a huge thank you to all the children who make the holidays truly special.

LIDS' Seventh Annual Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats

LIDS' Seventh Annual Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats event in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a huge success thanks to the 100 LIDS/Genesco Inc. corporate volunteers in attendance.  On Tuesday, December 6, nearly 300 children from Francis W. Parker Elementary School, IPS #56, were provided with a new pair of shoes, a new knit hat, a Converse t-shirt, and a pair of Crocs as LIDS' volunteers set up a mock shoe and hat store in the school's gym. 

In addition, the children were greated by Colts Linebacker Gary Brackett.  "I look forward to partnering with LIDS again this year for their ‘Cold Feet, Warm Shoes and Hats’ event. The event is always one of my favorites," said Brackett. "When you leave, there is always a smile on every kid’s face and that moment is PRICELESS!"  Brackett was also joined by his fellow teammates, Pat Angerer, Kavell Conner, and Scott Lutrus.  

Through its Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats program, LIDS and its parent company, Genesco Inc., are able to annually provide disadvantaged children in Indianapolis, the site of LIDS' headquarters, with the power of choice, the same respect and service that they would receive at any of Genesco's 2,300 retail stores, and the practical solution of properly fitting footwear and warm hats.  Each year, the Company works with the United Way of Central Indiana and the Indianapolis Colts to host this signature event at a different Indianapolis Public School location in need. 

NOTE: This year's Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats event was made possible in part by the generosity of the following Genesco vendors: Crocs, DC Shoes, Puma, Sock and Accessory brands, Concept One, Top of the World, Levi's, Uni Hosiery, Bioworld and Huffman.

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