Fifty deserving kids have new shoes thanks to Payless ShoeSource and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County.

The children, ranging from kindergarten-age to teens, will select the shoes during an in-store shopping event at the Boise Towne Square Mall Payless Shoes store on Dec. 18.

“It is difficult for struggling families to replace out-grown or worn out shoes,” said Colleen Braga, Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County Executive Director, “and we see a lot of kids with hole-riddled sneakers and boots, especially during this time of year."

Braga said the Boys & Girls Club staff selected the children most in need as participants.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County was chosen for the award from more than 1,000 applicants to the 2012 Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program. According to Braga, nearly 80 percent of the Clubs’ members qualify for federal free or reduces lunches, and more than 40 percent live below the poverty line.

A first-grader selected to receive shoes told Braga, “This is going to be the best Christmas ever… and I should know, I’ve been through six of them!”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County serve nearly 4,000 children and at-risk youth, and provide a wide variety of youth development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

For additional information visit www.adaclubs.org, or call 639-3167.