Founder & CEO of Project New Step Foundation, with Max, an 8th grader receiving brand new Nike sneakers
More than 1,200 children are receiving brand-new Nike sneakers thanks to an inspiring initiative led by Project New Step Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on building confidence, hope, and opportunity for underserved youth.
Children across five Boys & Girls Club locations in Florida recently learned they would each receive a new pair of Nike sneakers through the foundation’s growing “Sneaker Celebrations” initiative. For many of the children, this marked the first pair of Nike shoes they had ever owned.
Project New Step Foundation was founded in 2025 by professional basketball trainer and coach Steven Binder after recognizing that too many young athletes and children were participating in sports and daily activities wearing worn-out or improperly fitted shoes.
“Children simply want to play, have fun, and feel included,” said Binder. “For many families, proper footwear is a challenge. There are studies showing children may need 15 to 20 pairs of shoes between birth and age 19 because of how quickly they grow. Something as simple as a new pair of sneakers can make a tremendous difference in a child’s confidence and self-esteem.”
Beyond providing footwear, the initiative focuses on helping children feel valued, supported, and empowered. The emotional reactions from many students and families highlighted the deeper impact these gifts can have on young people living in underserved communities.
The sneaker distributions were made possible through partnerships with local Boys & Girls Clubs, community leaders, volunteers, and donors & supporters who came together to ensure every child and staff member felt included in the experience.
Project New Step Foundation continues to expand its mission of helping children gain confidence, dignity, and hope through meaningful community initiatives and acts of kindness.