MARTIN COUNTY — A new initiative through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is putting thousands of pairs of Nike sneakers into the hands of local children whose families struggle to afford basic necessities.
The program, called “Project Next Step,” was launched by volunteer basketball coach Steven Binder after he noticed more children arriving at practices wearing worn-out footwear or without athletic shoes at all.
“I saw kids were showing up more and more each week without sneakers, of any kind,” Binder said. “They’re coming straight from school, so they’re not going to school with sneakers. What are they using at recess?”
Boys & Girls Clubs partnership aims to boost confidence and meet a growing need among low-income families