Maria King, a second grader at Kamalii Elementary School, and her family’s shoe company, Kingetics LLC, are teaming up to collect gently used shoes for the Maui homeless and local shelters. 
Maria King is asking Maui residents to donate to “Shoes for Shelters”. Kihei, Hawaii– Collection sites will take place during the week of November 14-20 at Kamalii Elementary School and Saint Teresa’s Church in Kihei, and Maui Medical Group in Wailuku.
Maria’s father, Dr. Steven King, DPM, is a local podiatrist here on Maui and founder of Kingetics shoe company. Dr. King said, “We hope that with the support of area schools, churches, and health care groups, we can help Maria reach her goal and make a positive difference in many people’s lives.”
Maria’s mom, Janet, said, “Maria had a Christmas wish that all needy children would have shoes. We would like to help her bring this to fruition. Thousands of adults and children are homeless or living in shelters here on Maui, and those people are not receiving enough money to care for the children’s most basic needs, like shoes. Because of Kingetics and Maria’s commitment to this program, we hope to make “Shoes for Shelters” an annual event and continue to increase the number of shoes distributed yearly.”
An unexpected benefit of donating shoes is the sense of satisfaction on the part of the person who gives. Dr. King said, “At Kingetics, we say giving shoes is good for the soul!”
Donated shoes should be clean and in good or new condition. Children’s shoes are especially appreciated but adult shoes are also needed. It would be helpful to secure the pair of shoes together with a tie.
Please drop-off shoes the week of November 14-20, at Kamalii Elementary School, St Teresa’s Church, or Maui Medical Group.
