One hundred Kona kids enjoyed games and back-to-school supplies Saturday at Keauhou Shopping Center’s KidX Club Back to School Bash event.
One hundred Kona kids enjoyed games and back-to-school supplies Saturday at Keauhou Shopping Center’s KidX Club Back to School Bash event.
The event was the culmination of a month-long drive in which retails in the center collected donations of supplies and giftcards to support nonprofit Get Ready Hawaii.
Get Ready Hawaii, formerly known as Friends of the Children of West Hawaii, enhances the basic needs for children in need through sporting activities, enrichment activities and basic needs like clothing and shoes. While the organization targets its assistance to foster care children, any keiki in need is eligible for services, according to Jeff Gourley, executive director of the organization.
“Whatever request that comes in, we try to fulfill,” he said.
Gourley said Get Ready Hawaii operates on about $50,000 to $60,000 in grants, all of which goes directly to kids. The organization recently purchased 20 Chromebooks for needy children in West Hawaii. The nonprofit was also on-site Saturday to work with families in need.
The 100 attendees of Saturday’s celebration of getting back to school received a take-home school supply package that included T-shirts, stress balls and stickers. Hourly drawings with prizes including STEM-related kits and a laptop computer were held throughout the day. School supplies were grade-level appropriate.
