Brighton Collectibles to Partner with Soles4Souls for Japanese Relief Efforts

With the number of victims rising, efforts are underway to provide footwear to survivors of the natural disaster

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Mar 28, 2011, 03:23 ET

LOS ANGELES, March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Brighton Collectibles is joining forces with Soles4Souls to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Japan. From April 2 to May 1, 2011, Brighton Collectibles will collect footwear at its 150 locations nationwide to support Soles4Souls' commitment to donate shoes to affected areas in Japan.

Brighton customers may drop off a gently worn pair of shoes at any Brighton Collectibles location in the United States. In addition, Brighton will donate 10 percent of their proceeds from the sale of Brighton Footwear during the month of April to Soles4Souls to help cover the costs of distribution of the shoes. Donations will not only directly support the relief efforts in Japan, but they will also go to those in need here in the U.S.

Anyone who donates a pair of shoes at Brighton Collectibles may also enter to win a free pair of Brighton Footwear. Each store will be holding a drawing to give away one pair of Brighton shoes.

"Together we watched in disbelief as the waves reached Japan's shores, and homes, buildings and cars were swept away in an instant. Lives have been changed forever," said Jerry Kohl, owner and president of Brighton Collectibles, Inc. "While we can't change the past, we can help with tomorrow by providing one of life's most basic necessities -- a pair of shoes."

Brighton's previous partnership with Soles4Souls in 2007 resulted in the organization's largest shoe collection up to that point. Brighton's goal for April is to collect 100,000 pairs of shoes. Donating is a continuing tradition at Brighton Collectibles. Jerry Kohl and his team of designers have created jewelry collections which have raised over $3 million for breast cancer charities and over $1 million to fight women's heart disease.

Since the earthquake struck Japan earlier this month, Soles4Souls has partnered with other organizations to transport and distribute needed aid. Since Soles4Soul's inception after the Asian Tsunami in 2004, the shoe charity has continued to respond to natural disasters like the one in Japan with footwear that protects victims against foot-borne diseases.

"As we continue to realize the magnitude of this disaster for our friends in Japan, 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 Brighton and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors."

To find a Brighton Collectibles store near you, visit www.brighton.com. For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Japan and elsewhere, visit www.giveshoes.org.

About Brighton Collectibles

Known for excellent quality and a broad-ranging assortment of finely crafted accessories, Brighton produces handbags, footwear, jewelry, belts, small leather essentials, eyewear, luggage, fragrances, and gifts. Visit www.brighton.com to see the entire product line or to locate a store near you.

About Soles4Souls® & Clothes4Souls®

Soles4Souls collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and closets of individuals. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Clothes4Souls, a new division of Soles4Souls, provides hope for hurting people through the gift of new clothing from manufacturers, designers, and retailers. Those who graciously give (rather than destroy) unused inventory are assured their donations are distributed to people around the world living in desperate need.

SOURCE Soles4Souls