Help for Local Job Seekers:  Free Shoes, No Strings Attached
Online Retailer Steps Up To Help The Unemployed

Atlanta, GA, April 28, 2009—More than 100 of Atlanta’s recently unemployed saw a bit of their luck turn around— starting with their shoes. 

Online shoe retailer Heels.com gave away more than $8000 in shoes (many donated by Baby Phat) as well as bags, key chains, makeup cases, and gift certificates to participants of the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency’s weekly job fair on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

"Being a bootstrapped startup, we know what it's like to work through adversity and against the odds," Heels.com spokesperson Linda McCoy said.  "Our goal here is just to do what we can to help others work through their difficult period and hopefully bring smiles to a few faces in the process. During times like this, it is often the smallest things that make the biggest difference."

With Georgia’s unemployment rate climbing to more than 9%, the Atlanta One-Stop Center has seen demand for its facilities, computers and classes, skyrocket.

Heels.com, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an online shoe retailer founded in 2007 that serves customers worldwide from its warehouse in Charlotte’s center city.  The retailer carries 2500 styles of shoes ranging in price from $40 to $600.

About the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency’s One-Stop Center:  The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency was created by the Workforce Investment Act.  AWDA is a collaborative partnership between Atlanta’s public and private sector.  Through its One-Stop Center and other resources, AWDA works to develop and cultivate an adequate pool of qualified employees for the growing business market.  AWDA helps tens of thousands of people annually to obtain employment and training opportunities.

About AWDA’s Tuesday Job Fair: AWDA holds a weekly job fair every Tuesday from 8:00 am until 11:00 am. Applicants are screened to meet with employers from various industries. Employers are on-hand to interview applicants for those positions. Some interviews may result in immediate hiring. Applicants should be dressed in interview appropriate clothing (No Jeans/Sneakers/Gym Attire/Shorts) and have their resume ready to present to employers.

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