Nordstrom, New Balance join Shoes That Fit to offer free back-to-school kicks

Nordstrom is making back-to-school shopping easier for some 25,000 students across the US this month, via its latest charitable initiative.

The retailer has partnered with footwear label New Balance and the nonprofit organization Shoes That Fit to provide brand-new kicks for children living in poverty.

Shoppers can pitch in by purchasing $10 Shoes That Fit giving cards from any Nordstrom store in the US, which will then go towards providing a pair of new school shoes for a child in the local community. The cards can also be purchased on ShoesThatFit.org.

"It's remarkable what a pair of new shoes can do for a child and their self-esteem," said Amy Fass, executive director at Shoes That Fit, in a statement. "When a child feels comfortable and confident, they're better prepared to succeed and thrive at school, on the playground and at home."

"You can't overstate the impact a new pair of sneakers can have on the lives of these kids," added Scott Meden, chief marketing officer at Nordstrom. "They open up a world of new possibilities where kids are more excited and engaged, both in and out of the classroom"

Nordstrom has helped Shoes That Fit reach almost 140,000 children across the US and Puerto Rico since it first started supporting the organization in 2010.

The move is the latest of several charitable initiatives for the retailer, which recently partnered with 'Give Back Box,' to allow customers to donate their old or unwanted clothes and accessories to local nonprofit organizations via mail last fall.

Nordstrom also donates 1 percent of all gift card sales to community nonprofits.