Waiakea Intermediate students give back to community

On a bright, sunny day before the summer break, “Walking for a Cause” got Waiakea Intermediate School sixth-grade students outdoors, encouraging exercise and supporting the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii.

“We were pleased with our results, garnering over 520 initials from students, teachers and the community,” said Waiakea teacher Candace Paul. “Our goal was to create an opportunity for our students to participate in a character-building event and to encourage their understanding of the need for social awareness in their community.”

Before the walk, the students discussed the need for everyone to have a sense of empathy for those less fortunate than themselves. After the walk, the students’ efforts were rewarded with gift certificates from KTA, Wal-Mart and Target stores. These gift certificates were then donated to the Friends, who help child victims of abuse in East Hawaii.

“The Friends are grateful and happy to see that children are helping less fortunate children right here in East Hawaii,” said Drucy Casburn, a Friends volunteer.

“We always hope that the younger generation will become aware of the importance of being involved in their own community.”

For more information about the Friends, visit fcjcEastHawaii.org.