After noticing a plethora of unwanted athletic shoes in his closet, Cypress Ranch senior Miles Simms sparked the idea of putting his shoes to a better use.

Simms brought his idea to life two years ago, creating a non-profit organization called Kicks 4 Kidz. The organization focuses on providing needy families with shoes that are donated by members of the community. Partnering with another community-based non-profit organization, Cy-Hope, Simms has been able to serve his community for the past two years.

“I first got the idea two summers ago when I walked into my room and saw an abundance of shoes that I wasn’t using anymore,” Simms said. “I just decided that there was something that could be done with these extra shoes, and that’s when Kicks 4 Kidz was born.”

Being a full-time student athlete, Simms said he faced struggles when creating Kicks 4 Kidz, but with the help of his parents and coach, he was able to bring his ideas to life. Now, his organization has achieved well beyond his expectations. Kicks for Kidz has expanded beyond a traditional shoe drive, as Simms partnered with Cy-Hoops Invitational to create a unique opportunity for those in the community.

“At first it was hard to get in contact with people but with help, I was able to get in contact with the supervisor over the Cypress Hoops Invitational who helped me get this started with the tournament,” he said.

Simms’ partnership with the Cy-Hoops Invitational has expanded the scope of his service, as he has organized to place shoe donation stations at each of the gyms hosting the games, which will be held Dec. 10 through 12. There, community members can drop off new or lightly used shoes, and teams that donate shoes will receive free admission into the tournament.

Simms says the most rewarding thing about working with Kicks 4 Kidz is knowing that the community is helping economically disadvantaged families. Hearing about Simms’ project, people from all across the Cypress area have recognized and worked with Simms and his project.

“One time I was at LA Fitness working out and a person who recently graduated from Cy Ranch came up to me and let me know that what I was doing was special and wanted to donate a pair of shoes,” Simms said. “That really just hit my heart and made me know I was making a difference.”

Simms’ passion for basketball mixed with a serving heart made a product that has helped families all over. Through Kicks 4 Kidz, Simms has brought together the community and given hope to those who need it.