Skechers Donates $122,285 to Military Families in Need

Manhattan Beach-based Skechers, a global footwear company, has raised $122,285 for military heroes through its nationwide network of Skechers stores, according to a company press release. 

A check for $122,285 was presented to Troy Yocum, an Iraq war veteran who is hiking to raise awareness and money for military families in need, at Skechers' flagship retail store in downtown Manhattan Beach on Jan. 5. Yocum's next Hike for Heroes campaign of 1,500 miles will be through national forests and at special events from coast to coast for 2012, with a goal of raising $5 million. He has already raised more than a million dollars for Active Heroes.

“I’m extremely grateful that Skechers stepped up to provide vast exposure to this important cause,” said Yocum, who hiked 7,880 miles in 2011. “Many military families in need will benefit from the donations made by the Skechers Foundation and Skechers customers across the country—many of whom may not have known about this cause if they hadn’t been informed about the donation opportunity in Skechers’ retail stores.”

Said Skechers president Michael Greenberg, “Troy Yocum is an inspiration to men and women of all ages. After bravely serving his country in Iraq, this selfless man is now devoting his life to helping the families of his fellow soldiers who risk their lives to protect our freedom. I was extremely moved by Troy’s story, and felt compelled to help his cause through Skechers’ vast network of retail stores. Our loyal customers felt inspired to make donations to Troy’s campaign, and we’re extremely proud that Skechers raised such a large amount of funds to support military families.”

The money donated by Skechers came from customer donations and the Skechers Foundation, which is well known locally for its annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk which benefits children with special needs and education. In addition, the company’s Bobs shoes donates a pair of new shoes to a child in need for every pair of Bobs sold.