Annabelle Gutowski

Kids to Know: Annabelle Gutowski, Kicks For Kids, International

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It is one thing for a child to nurture and demonstrate empathy upon learning about other kids in need, but it is another thing for this child to take matters into her own hands to change the narrative all together. With a strong family foundation at home, Annabelle Gutowski answered a heart-led calling to show up for those who don’t share that same foundation: to empower them, to remove barriers of access and to make life feel less different than their peers. And while she is determined to make an impact for local foster kids, Annabelle intends to serve children across the world through her nonprofit organization.

 

Tell us about yourself.

Annabelle Gutowski: Hi! My name is Annabelle Gutowski, and I am a 15 year old freshman in high school. I have three younger siblings who are 12 years old and 6-year-old twins. I love marine science, swimming, going to concerts and traveling. When I grow up, I want to be a marine biologist or a maritime archeologist who studies shipwrecks.

 

What made you want to start a charity on your own?

Annabelle Gutowski: When I was 13 years old, I volunteered at my mom’s work. She works with kids in foster care. While I was there, I noticed that they had a ton of clothes, toys and toiletries for kids of all ages. At the time, there were around 2,500 kids in foster care in Hillsborough County. They were removed from their parents for abuse, abandonment and neglect. Some go with relatives or with a foster family. Many of the older children go to group homes. They carry their belongings in garbage bags, and unfortunately, their things are often stolen.

They will go to school and if they don’t take their belongings, other kids in the group home may take their things. Sometimes kids don’t go to school so they can protect their stuff. Other kids take everything they own to school.

These kids are just like us. They want to feel normal. I knew I wanted to do something to help. When I spoke with the Executive Director for Voices for Children, she told me that the kids always need shoes; specifically, Crocs and slides were the most requested. They are not cheap, but everyone in high school seems to have them. I decided then that I would start collecting them.

Some friends of mine and I decorated boxes and placed them at school, in neighborhoods and at some surrounding businesses. We collected approximately 100 pairs of shoes in 2024. I wanted to expand this to collect more shoes and help additional kids in need. I then started the non-profit so I could do this.

 

Please describe the mission of Kicks For Kids, International and what you do to accomplish this?

Annabelle Gutowski: Kicks for Kids, International is a non-profit designed to help at-risk kids and children in foster care. Shoes can’t fix all of their problems, but when they go to school or out with friends, they will not feel as different. I also want to give them options so that they can have a little bit of control in what they wear.

They do not have any control in their lives, where they will live and who they can visit. This gives them at least some opportunity to make their own decisions. Lastly, I want to raise awareness for what is happening to children in our own community. Things are hard for foster kids. I think if our community knew what the need was, they would respond.

When I started this, I wanted it to grow beyond my local community. This is why I added the “international” part. I love to travel, and have been fortunate to travel overseas and learn about other cultures. In every society, people need some help. We are starting to partner with the Manaleni Center in South Africa.

The center provides a safe place for children who have lost parents to AIDS. They provide food, tutoring, even college tuition to these kids. Everyone can go to school, but they have to pay for a uniform. Twenty American dollars will cover this necessary expense so children can have an education and an opportunity to change their lives. Kicks for Kids, International will also raise support for shoes and uniforms for these kids.

 

You have big goals for 2025! Explain what you hope to fulfill this year and how the local community can support you. 

Annabelle Gutowski: My goal this year is to collect 250 pairs of shoes and/or $25,000. Our website is kicksforkidsinternational.com. On the website, you can learn a little more about our program and shop our Amazon store for different shoes. Additionally, you can see more about the Manaleni Center and their donation page. We also have a page on Facebook, Kicks for Kids, International, that we would love for you to follow.

 

What do you love to do most in Tampa Bay with your family?

Annabelle Gutowski: I love going to the beach with my family, going fishing and spending time with friends. This year, I want to learn how to paddleboard, and I’m trying to teach myself how to play the electric drums.

Annabelle Gutowski

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Originally published in the April 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.