Dole Dollar Store and Student Clubs & Activities

Aloha, all! As of this year, I’ve taken on the positions of student activities coordinator and leadership teacher at Dole Middle School in Honolulu. We are a Title I middle school nestled between two housing projects in one of Oahu’s most economically challenged neighborhoods. My primary objective has been to provide the students at my school with reasons to enjoy coming to school. This includes adding intramurals, clubs, activities, and a Dole Dollar Store; all things that we’ve either never had before, or had folded during the hardships that hit us all during pandemic. And all of these initiatives have been lead by the students in my leadership classes.

The Dole Dollar Store is a student-operated store/thrift store whose currency is based on HERO points that students acquire from positive behaviors, thus reinforcing good choices that aren’t always the easiest to make in the environment they’re growing up in. This is a place where they can buy things like clothes, school supplies, hygiene products, sports equipment, toys, games, books, and so much more! Although I’ve begun reaching out to companies and even professional sports franchises (we have a lot of athletically-inclined kids), donations from faculty, staff, and friends are what is keeping this program alive.

On top of our Dollar Store, I felt what the students needed most were clubs, intramurals, and extracurricular activities that actually get the kids psyched about their middle school experience. However, funding for these endeavors has been tight as well.

Thus far, these initiatives have been a huge hit with the students and I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve managed to pull off in these first few months of the school year. It wouldn’t take much to really take these initiatives to the next level. So any amount that is donated would go directly to these programs designed to serve, inspire, and provide for our students. The students of Dole Middle School are all heart, and I’d love for them to truly feel the love this holiday season. Mahalo for your time and your kokua!