TOMS Shoes: Get a Pair, Give a Pair

TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie is not named Tom. But the basis of the brand's name -- "tomorrow's shoes" -- sheds light on its unique philanthropic mission.

For every pair of shoes TOMS sells, the company gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need. "The name summarizes what we're trying to do, which is to sell shoes today in order to provide them tomorrow to children who need them," Blake says.

Blake founded the company in 2006 after a trip to Argentina in which he witnessed the desperate need for shoes among poor children there. Among other things, wearing shoes prevents disease and allows children to meet school dress requirements.

Since its inception, TOMS has provided more than a million shoes to children in 28 countries.

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TOMS shoes are available at toms.com, Nordstrom, Whole Foods Market, and other retailers.