Backpack drive 07-12-11

Hawaiʻi Police Department
Office of the Chief
Harry S. Kubojiri
Phone: 961-2244
July 12, 2011

Media Release

Once again, the Hawaiʻi Police Department is proud to be a participant in a backpack drive to assist children less fortunate in these hard economic times. All police stations around the island will double as drop-off points between July and September for those interested in helping children in need.

Backpacks have been identified as the most requested non-food item for charities in Hawaiʻi. The donated backpacks will be distributed to children at women’s shelters, homeless shelters and transitional housing facilities around the Big Island.

This is the third consecutive year the Police Department has worked in partnership with HOPE Services Hawaiʻi (formerly known as the Office of Social Ministry) and From Kids For Kids in the collection and distribution of these items.

Hope Services Hawaiʻi
provides a continuum of homeless and transitional programs from outreach to emergency shelters, including permanent supportive housing placements.

From Kids For Kids was founded in 2006 by Big Island resident Nani Welch-Keliihoomalu, then 10, who was responsible for distributing backpacks containing books, clothing, art and school supplies.

Police Chief Kubojiri again offers police stations as drop-off points to make it convenient for anyone who wishes to donate backpacks for the project. “I humbly ask those of you who have backpacks your child is no longer using to consider donating them to this worthy cause,” Kubojiri said. “I know that the continuing economic downturn across our nation affects all of us, but I also know that the aloha spirit is alive and well when it comes to opening our hearts and lending a helping hand.”


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