Community effort seeks donations to help keiki succeed in the classroom
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Windward Oʻahu Representatives Lisa Kitagawa and Scot Z. Matayoshi are bringing together local businesses, nonprofits and community groups in organizing the Castle Complex School Supply Drive to be held inside Windward Mall in Kaneʻohe from July 9-11.
The school supply drive is in partnership with ʻOhana Nights at Windward Mall and seeks much needed monetary donations along with pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, composition books, folders, backpacks, slippers and more to help our keiki succeed in the classroom.
"We know the coronavirus pandemic has had a negative affect on 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, Kaneʻohe, Kahaluʻu, Waiahole). "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 the mall, near the food court, to accept donations on:
Friday July 9, noon to 9 p.m.;
Saturday July 10, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.;
Sunday July 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tax deductible donations can also be made online by going to https://www.chsalumknights.org/ and selecting "school supplies" from the drop down menu. A receipt will be emailed to donors.
Donation 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, Kane‘ohe, Maunawili, Olomana). "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 include Castle Alumni/Community Association, Windward Mall, Kiwanis Club of Kaneʻohe, Windward Community College, Community Works in 96744, and Kamehameha Schools.
For more information, call Rep. Lisa Kitagawa's office at (808) 586-8540 or email repkitagawa@capitol.hawaii.gov.