Paying for new school supplies is challenging for many families, especially with high inflation rates this year. To help students in need, many nonprofits throughout the state collect donations.
“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 Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands, in a press release. “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.”
In particular, organizations request backpacks, face masks, colored markers, colored pencils, composition notebooks, crayons, erasers, facial tissue, glue, glue sticks, yellow highlighters, paper towels, pencils, pencil pouches, pens (black, blue and red), permanent markers, dry erase markers, portfolios, rulers, scissors, small calculators, wide-ruled binder paper, hand sanitizers, and water bottles.
Below is a list of different organizations collecting donations:
The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps
219 Ponahawai St., Hilo, HI 96720
The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps is collecting school supply donations through August 4. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Captain Felicia LeMar at 808-935-1277 or email felicia.lemar@usw.salvationarmy.org.
The Salvation Army Kona Corps
75-223 Kalani St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
The Salvation Army Kona Corps is collecting back-to-school supplies until August 4. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact The Salvation Army Kona Corps at 808-326-2330.
Kumu’s Cupboard
4303 Nawiliwili Rd Space 105, Lihue, HI 96766
Kumu’s Cupboard provides free school supplies to teachers and other educational staff. The nonprofit depends on donations. To donate school supplies, call Kumu’s Cupboard at 808-212-9450 ext 81. Here is a list of donation ideas. For monetary donations, use this form.
Hawaii Literacy
245 N Kukui St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Hawaii Literacy focuses on those with the lowest literary skills and helps underserved children prepare for school. To drop off school supplies, go to Hawaii Literacy’s main administrative office most weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call ahead at 808-537-6706 to make sure someone will be there to assist you. Details about what items are most wanted can be found here. Hawaii Literacy also has an Amazon wishlist and a Barnes & Noble Wishlist.
Hawaii Department of Education
Hawaii’s public schools serve about 3,000 homeless students across the state. The HIDOE is able to provide school supplies and footwear to students in need through donations. To donate, call 808-305-9869 for Oahu or 808-927-7095 for the neighbor islands.
Helping Hands Hawaii
Helping Hands Hawaii connects individuals, families, and organizations with essential human and material resources. A monetary donation of $50 can purchase the contents to create one school supply kit for a child in need. Individuals, groups or businesses can also organize a School Supply Drive. For more information and help getting started, please call 808-536-7234 or complete this Community Partner form.
