When Katie Chabolla was looking at a summer without many activities, she began to brainstorm.

Chabolla, 17, wanted to do something other than vacationing. The teen decided to create a volunteer project utilizing talents she uses in her business creating unique kicks. From her inspiration came Shoes for the Blues — hand-painted slip-on Vans designed for kids at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto. This summer was the second summer Chabolla, who lives in Alamo, spent time getting to know kids at the hospital and creating shoes especially for them.

“It’s a great project,” said Child Life Specialist Kristen Beckler.

Even better, added Child Life Specialist Kirsten Cotten, Chabolla is doing it because she wants to cheer up the kids.

“She really has a talent,” said Cotten.

Chabolla began decorating white canvas Vans for herself when she noticed others were wearing her signature kicks. And she wanted to wear something unique. Her first pair donned inspiration for her favorite band Muse. She also made a pair for her pen pal in Japan. The desire to be unique led Chabolla to creating the shoes as a business — K’CHA Kicks.

It was only natural for Chabolla to take the talent to other kids.

To make her vision a reality, Chabolla did complete the volunteer training through Lucile Packard. In addition, she contacted Vans about her idea. The company ended up donating the shoes — which even Chabolla was surprised about.

At first, Chabolla didn’t really know what she was doing. She spent the whole first day with one person. Now she has the system down, allowing her to meet with two children a day.

Translating a vision can often be a challenge, Chabolla explained. Some kids are surrounded by a character they like, such as Spiderman, making Chabolla’s job easy. Others present more of a challenge.

One little girl Chabolla met this month did not speak a word of English; neither did her family. In this case, Chabolla was able to point to a little Mini Mouse doll she was holding.

“I pointed at it and she nodded,” said Chabolla, who brings a book of ideas for kids to look at as well.

A pair of shoes can take anywhere from four to 20 hours for Chabolla to finish. Now she gets the idea and often finishes the shoes at home, then returning to deliver the shoes.

Chabolla, who is going into her senior year of high school, is looking to attend either Stanford of Yale in 2009 to study business art. She also has an interest in international relations and politics. Cotton and Beckler are hoping for Stanford so Chabolla can continue to work with the hospital.

Regardless, Chabolla plans to continue making her shoes.

For more information, or to order your own customized kicks, visit www.chabolla.com. For more information about volunteering at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital visit www.lpch.org/jobsVolunteering/Volunteering/ or call 497-8696.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.