SAN ANTONIO — He was getting used to grinding through football practice in socks.
At 6-foot-9, Joseph Gamez needed some hard-to-find equipment to get the most out of practice on the gridiron and continue pursuing his athletic dreams. Specifically, the 14-year-old needed size-22 cleats.
A Facebook callout from the nonprofit San Antonio Threads generated dozens of comments from supporters hoping to help.
"San Antonio Threads is the only non-profit in San Antonio that provides brand new clothing to at-risk youth 12-21," said Cathy Hamilton, the organization's CEO and founder.
She said the free service is for kids in foster care, without a home, or have been trafficked. Hamilton even added that they help students.
"This age group is often forgotten about," she said. "We provide the new clothes, because the new clothes help our kids with self-esteem."
As for the tackling down the cleats, Hamilton said she had to do a double-take on the shoe size that Joseph was seeking.
"The biggest size shoe I have had to find is an 18," she said. "22 surpasses that."
The group's Facebook post garnered tons of comments, with a lot of folks suggesting and tagging Shaquille O'Neal for help. The big guy grew up in San Antonio and attended Cole High School.
With an assist from him and the Alamo City community, KENS 5 was able to make good things happen for Joseph and his family.
Watch the video below for the full reveal and to meet the Gamez family:
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