The Salvation Army is seeking back-to-school supplies for keiki in need with supply drives being held across the state, including Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
Any donations of school supplies, as well as monetary donations, are welcomed at the Hilo and Kailua-Kona Salvation Army locations.
Some items that are needed include backpacks, pencils, markers, notebooks, crayons, erasers, pens and many other supplies that keiki would need for class every day.
According to Capt. Felicia LeMar at the Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps, backpacks and pencils are the most needed items for keiki.
The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps is collecting school supply donations through Aug. 4. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Donations will be distributed in August to predetermined families. Those with keiki in need of supplies can still call each location to be added to a waitlist.
The Salvation Army Kona Corps also is collecting back-to-school supplies until Aug. 4. Donations can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Monday through Friday.
“We encourage our island communities to step up and help our keiki-in-need as families begin preparations for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year,” said Maj. Troy Trimmer, divisional commander, The Salvation Army Hawaiian &Pacific Islands. “The cost of many items on traditional back-to-school lists can be out of reach for many families and our goal is to help make sure each keiki has the supplies they need to succeed.”
For more details about The Salvation Army’s various back-to-school supply drives and distributions, or to make monetary donations, visit SchoolSupplyHawaii.org.
For more information on donating to the Hilo Corps, contact LeMar at (808) 935-1277, or email felicia.lemar@usw.salvationarmy.org.
The Salvation Army Kona Corps can be reached at (808) 326-2330.