"Backpacks of Hope Kits" for Maui Boys and Girls

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that decimated Lahaina and portions of West Maui, the Boys & Girls Club of Maui is desperately in need of school supplies and personal hygiene items. Their Lahaina center was burned to the ground and due to the state of emergency on island, they had to close all centers for their youth.

My daughter Kaia and I are organizing a drive to create Backpacks of Hope for the keiki of Maui with a group of 300 moms and daughters, grades 6 through 12 living in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our vision is simple, yet impactful: provide children in Maui with a backpack filled not just with essential school supplies and personal hygiene items, but most of all, an encouraging hand-written letter from other kids to support them as they start a new school year amidst tremendous loss and uncertainty. Watch more about our idea here.

However, our aspirations are only possible with your support. The challenge we face is that as we are writing these letters, child to child, family to family, and creating these Backpacks of Hope, we urgently need help covering the cost of shipping of the backpacks to Maui.

Our ask: By supporting our GoFundMe campaign, you are directly ensuring that these Backpacks of Hope reach the children they are meant for. Every dollar you contribute will go directly to shipping costs, bridging the gap between intention and impact, and turning our collective effort into tangible support for Maui's children.

Let's join hands and hearts to rebuild the future of Maui's children, one backpack at a time. Your support will help us cover the cost of shipping to not only provide essential items to children in need but also gift them a renewed sense of hope and belief in the power of community.

With love and aloha,

Lee Ann and Kaia