More Than 500 Journeys Store Managers To Fit 900 Middle Tennessee Youth With New Shoes

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 12, more than 500 Journeys store managers from across the U.S. and Canada will come together to fit approximately 900 Music City youth with new shoes at three Nashville area community centers. The citywide event is part of the company's community outreach at its annual global sales conference held in Nashville.

Journeys, the leading specialty footwear retailer for teens, will fit new Adidas shoes to Kindergarten to Grade 12 age students who are part of the McGruder Family Resource Center, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary and Boys and Girls Club.

In addition to the shoe fitting, Journeys employees will take part in United Way's "Stuff the Bus" initiative, packing 1,200 backpacks for high school students. Others will sort and pack non-perishable foods at the Second Harvest Food Bank, which will be distributed to more than 400 agencies across Middle Tennessee. Those looking to flex their creativity will be at Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary painting a 9x20 foot mural.

"It is simply in Journeys' DNA to service the community that has supported us throughout the years," said Mario Gallione, president of Journeys. "We value not only taking the time to connect with the youth of our community, but also giving back through a meaningful donation of our time and resources."  

Journeys prioritizes community outreach as a company, reflected in the various charitable events and volunteer programs it organizes each year, but also encourages employees to get involved on their own by offering eight hours of paid-time-off each year to volunteer for any recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

"Our kids were overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude as they received their sneakers at past Journeys community events. We are thrilled to participate again this year," said Alisha Haddock, director at C.E. McGruder Family Resource Center. "It is inspiring to see Nashville-based companies like Journeys give back to the community."

ABOUT JOURNEYS

Journeys is a teen retail leader with an emphasis on footwear and unique specialty items including apparel, backpacks, hats and accessories. With more than 840 stores in all 50 US states, Puerto Rico and Canada, Journeys offers the most popular brands that cater to the teen lifestyle such as Vans, Converse, adidas, Timberland, Dr. Martens and UGG. Through strategic artistic partnerships, event sponsorships, exclusive content, creative collaborations with musicians and a focus on giving back to the community through charitable events and volunteer programs, Journeys has become more than just a retailer, but a universal part of teen and youth culture. Journeys is, in every way, an attitude you can wear – and an attitude that cares! Journeys is a division of Nashville-based Genesco Inc.

Editor's Note:

• Shoe fittings are for the community centers patrons only and not open to the public.
• Photo opportunities available from 1:40 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the following sites:
  • McGruder Family Resource Center, 2013 25th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
    
  • Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary, 2526 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207 
    
  • Boys & Girls Club: Cleveland Park Club, 610 Vernon Winfrey Avenue, Nashville, TN 37207

PRESS CONTACTS
Ed James | High10 Media | [email protected]
Kristen Kehlet | High10 Media | [email protected]

SOURCE Journeys