Helping Hands initiative aims to deliver 3k backpacks to students in need

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Helping Hands Hawaii aims to fill 3,000 backpacks with school supplies for those in need by next month.

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The Ready to Learn initiative is an annual back-to-school event designed to support low-income families facing the cost of school supplies.

Each backpack is filled with $50 worth of essential supplies, including markers, glue and binders.

“With the high cost of living in Hawaii, it’s a lot for a family, especially a family of four or a family of five with a lot of kids in school. It costs a lot,” said Community Clearinghouse Program Manager, Kristine Garabiles. “Fifty dollars can supply one kit, but any dollar of value, I mean it’s very much appreciated.”

Nearly 2,000 backpacks have been packed so far, but more help is needed to meet the goal by early July.

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“The high needed items that we need right now are the 24-count crayons, 4-ounce glue, markers,” said Garabiles. “Like I said, a fifty-dollar donation can help support one full backpack with school supplies for a student in need.”

Backpacks will be distributed at Kapolei High School on July 13 and continue throughout the week at other schools across the island.

The initiative will conclude at the Helping Hands warehouse in Kalihi on July 18.

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For more information on how to get involved, visit helpinghandshawaii.org .