Back to School drive collects hundreds of supplies and dollars July 26, 2021

Originally published by KITV4 on July 24, 2021 by Diane Ako, here.

The keiki of the Partners in Development Foundation’s programs in underserved communities will receive supplies as they prepare for an in-person school year. If you missed Saturday’s event but want to donate, PID will keep this link open until Aug. 3: https://partners-in-development-foundation-d57d4d.networkforgood.com/projects/136121-back-to-school-drive.

A back to school drive at the WalMart in the Town Center of Mililani brought in hundreds of supplies – and dollars – for needy keiki. The nonprofit group Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) will give out the nearly 90 backpacks stuffed with school tools to preschool- and elementary-aged kids on Oahu and the Big Island. The fundraiser also netted $700 in cash.

By the 2 p.m. close, “We did manage to fill up the Chevy Traverse with donated school supplies, right up to the ceiling and overflowing,” says 94.7 KUMU-FM newscaster/ host Esme Infante, who emceed the event.

The two PIDF programs that will receive these supplies serve (ALICE) Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed Communities. The Ka Pa’alana family education program serves the Leeward coast of O’ahu and Hawaii Island, and Na Pono No Na Ohana youth education program serves families in Waimanalo.

Cutter Chevrolet sponsored the event, which was organized by the radio station 94.7 KUMU, of Pacific Media Group. Event volunteer and Cutter Ford salesperson Lance Threefingers says, “We’re all a community in Hawaii. Everyone at Cutter, too. We have to come together and support everyone as much as we can.”

94.7 KUMU-FM provided the music. In addition to emceeing, Infante conducted prize giveaways from sponsors. If you missed Saturday’s event but want to donate, PID will keep this link open until Aug. 3: https://partners-in-development-foundation-d57d4d.networkforgood.com/projects/136121-back-to-school-drive.