Drew Balentine is a 16 year old student-athlete that attends Maranatha Christian Academy.  He understands the importance and biblical principle that it is better to give than receive. Since he was a little boy, Drew has always loved sneakers specifically basketball shoes. He is a true sneakerhead! Typically he would sell sneakers from his collection if he couldn’t fit the shoes any longer. But a few years ago, he had the opportunity to donate his shoes to kids in need at a community event in North Minneapolis. That opportunity, coupled with a recent discovery of being interested in public service, inspired the concept of Drew’s K.I.C.K.S.

Drew comes from a long legacy of giving back and hard work. Both his maternal and paternal grandparents grew up picking cotton in Arkansas and Mississippi. Those same grandparents were also part of the historical movement the Great Migration, the relocation of six million African Americans from the rural South to cities of the North, Midwest, and west from 1916-1970. Once his grandparents settled in Minnesota, they became known for giving back to others in the community out of their own need. His paternal grandmother, Annie Balentine was known for helping others while living in project housing in North Minneapolis. His maternal grandparents, Ora and Mary Peeples fed, clothed and bathed hungry children in the inner city neighborhood of St. Paul. Drew’s K.I.C.K.S. will continue to honor this strong legacy by giving back to the community.