Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi – Windward Oʻahu Representatives Lisa Kitagawa and Scot Z. Matayoshi are once again bringing together local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups to organize the 3rd Annual Castle Complex School Supply Drive at Windward Mall from July 14 - 16.
The school supply drive seeks much-needed monetary donations and supplies including pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, composition books, folders, backpacks, slippers, and more to help keiki be prepared and succeed in the classroom.
"We know the pandemic continues to negatively impact many families in our communities. Some families may not be able to afford all the new school supplies that their children need," said Representative Lisa Kitagawa (D-48, Kāneʻohe - Ka‘a‘awa). "It is also difficult for teachers to spend their own money to provide supplies. The goal is to make sure our teachers have the necessary supplies to teach and our keiki have the needed tools to learn."
Volunteers will be on hand at Windward Mall, near the food court, to accept donations on the following dates:
· Friday July 14, noon to 9 p.m.
· Saturday July 15, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
· Sunday July 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tax-deductible donations can be made online by going to www.chsalumknights.org/ and selecting "school supplies" from the drop-down menu. A receipt will be emailed to donors.
Donations by check can be made out to Castle Alumni/Community Association with "school supplies" written on the memo line and either be dropped off at the mall during the event or mailed to: Castle Alumni/Community Association, P.O. Box 4432, Kaneohe, HI 96744.
"As a former teacher, I know how much of their own money teachers spend on their students," said Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi (D-49, Kāne‘ohe, Maunawili). "Students need proper supplies to learn and thrive. This school supply drive will benefit students and teachers in the Castle Complex school district, reducing the financial burden on teachers and families in need. Please help us to secure Hawaiʻi's future, one backpack at a time."
Other sponsors and volunteers of the event include Castle Alumni/Community Association, Windward Mall, Kiwanis Club of Kāneʻohe, Rotary Club of Kāneʻohe, Windward Community College, Community Works in 96744, Kamehameha Schools, and Anchor Church.
For more information, call Rep. Lisa Kitagawa's office at (808) 586-8540 or email repkitagawa@capitol.hawaii.gov.
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