December 21 – Yonkers, NY
282 kids got brand-new Nike shoes just before the holidays!
All thanks to someone 1,800 miles away in San Antonio, TX. That someone is Gregg Popovich, also known as Coach Pop, the long-time coach and President of the San Antonio Spurs, who has more wins than any coach in NBA history.
Popovich has been giving shoes through Shoes That Fit for years, but mainly in the San Antonio area. So how did he end up helping in New York? Lorenzo Johnson, a community activist, introduced him to the need in Yonkers, a suburb just north of the Bronx. Lorenzo and Popovich met years ago in Dallas and have worked together many times.
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Thanks to the efforts of Lorenzo and his partner for this event, Jason Robinson (Ready for a Change), the kids of Calcagno Housing Project in Yonkers got a bright spot on a wintery day – new shoes and gloves to keep them warm! Lorenzo shared about the kids:
“This is where I’m from. I was once one of them.”
As the kids opened their new Nike shoes, they also enjoyed pizza, beverages, face painting, and a live DJ!
One kid was so excited about his new shoes, he exclaimed:
“There is a Santa Claus!”
Coach Popovich texted Lorenzo after the event:
“Good stuff. You brought joy to many.”
We’re so thankful for all our partners whose generosity brings new shoes and confidence to children in need!
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Are you inspired by the generosity of Lorenzo, Jason, and Coach Pop? Want to help children in vulnerable communities in your area? Get in touch today to make a difference!
