More than ever, the weakest and most vulnerable members of society need your help. If you don’t assist these charities, no one will.
So please take time to see what these organizations need. They all want money, of course, but some of them they just need a little equipment or supplies that you may already own and were planning on getting rid of. These are solid organizations that do very necessary work, and it will take very little time and effort on all our parts to ensure that they make the holidays a little brighter for those who need the most.
KEIKI CUPBOARD
WHAT THEY DO:
In 2015, they opened their 19th cupboard at Kahului Elementary School. Keiki Cupboard is dedicated to providing essentials to Maui’s children. They believe that no child should lack for school supplies, shoes and basic hygiene items. The mission of Keiki Cupboard is to make sure that no child attending school should ever lack the basic needs for successful integration into their academic environment.
They act as a safety net for children who may not qualify for government aid but whose parents had to make the tough choice between food and the lengthy school list handed out each year. If a child shows up at school without supplies, the staff can distribute the needed items on the spot without shame or red tape.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Shoes–slippers and athletic shoes in all sizes
• Hygiene items–toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, deodorant
• School art supplies–Crayola paints, colored pens, colored pencils
• Sharpies
• Expo markers
• Backpacks
• Flash drives
• Ear buds
CONTACT:
Bonny Ponting
310 Waipalani Rd., Haiku
808-280-1021
Bonnyponting@me.com
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EAST MAUI WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP
WHAT THEY DO:
The watershed partnership is made up of six partners who work to preserve approximately 100,000-acre area on the East side of Maui. The field crew does this by fencing off native areas to keep out wild ungulates (specifically pigs and goats) that destroy the forest, remove invasive plants or animals within the fenced areas along with regular maintenance and monitoring of these areas for future threats. Another aspect of EMWP is public outreach and education to share the importance of our watersheds to the community, as it’s the source of all our water.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
81 Makawao Ave., Suite 205, Pukalani
808-573-6999
pr@eastmauiwatershed.org
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MALAMA FAMILY RECOVERY CENTER
WHAT THEY DO:
Provide caring, holistic substance abuse treatment to women and children so families can live safe, independent and healthy lives. Malama is the only women-specific addiction treatment center on Maui and the only place on the island where young children can live with their mothers during the recovery process. They provide free childcare and early developmental screenings for their clients’ children.
Malama facilitated the reunification of more than 25 children with their mothers through our intensive case management services. Their BabySAFE Program made it possible for pregnant women dealing with substance abuse issues to access treatment and prenatal care services (including pre-delivery tours at the hospital) so they can get clean and give birth to healthy babies.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Diapers, wipes, Desitin
• Baby clothes, pacifiers, bottles and other baby-related supplies
• Financial donations
• Sober support buddies to accompany clients and their children on safe family outings.
CONTACT:
Frances Duberstein
PO Box 791749, Paia
808-579-8414, ext. 8102
Fduberstein@aloha-house.org
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MAUI HULIAU FOUNDATION
WHAT THEY DO:
Promote environmental literacy and leadership among Maui youth ages 12-18 via our environmental filmmaking and leadership programs. Maui Huliau Foundation is currently in its fifth year serving Maui youth ages 12-18 from all schools. Their Huliau Environmental Filmmaking Club has produced more than 40 student environmental films that are now on our YouTube channel and have been selected at film festivals around the world.
Students in this program and the Huliau Youth Leaders program are working on innovative projects like using film and the internet to teach environmental filmmaking to students in other Pacific islands, and working with community groups to raise awareness about the impacts of single-use plastic. They also lead annual backpacking trips into Haleakala.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
PO Box 977, Haiku
808-757-2100
Info@mauihuliaufoundation.org
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HALI`IMAILE COMMUNITY GARDEN
WHAT THEY DO:
The mission of Hali‘imaile Community Garden is to build community around food self-sufficiency. Through educational outreach and provision of garden space, they aim to increase access to fresh and healthy produce, encouraging food self-sufficiency and reducing hunger. Organic gardening and the food that it provides families goes a long way towards bettering the environment, building community involvement, improving family finances, increasing good health, and reducing stress through better nutrition. For the community, the garden is an important resource for physical, material, mental and social health.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Resin patio chairs
• Garden tools
• Rolls of commercial weed mat
• 20’ x 100’ rolls of 6 mil black plastic sheeting
• Volunteers
• Cash donations
CONTACT:
Kevin Harrington
PO Box 1296, Pu‘unene
415-480-GROW (4769)
Haliimailegarden@gmail.com
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KELEA FOUNDATION
WHAT THEY DO:
Their mission is to nurture, inspire and empower women through water sports. They work to make these sports accessible to all women and to build community around them. They seek to create and perpetuate dialogue around what it means to be a female and an athlete and inspire and help athletes reach their highest potentials. Water transforms people, and they want to use that amazing gift to help women find their inner strength and a joyful life.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
PO Box 791465, Paia
661-373-8575
TheKeleaFoundation@gmail.com
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IMUA FAMILY SERVICES
WHAT THEY DO:
Imua Family Services provides comprehensive early childhood development services to children and their families with the support and resources needed to reach their full potential in life. They provide a combination of services including speech language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and care coordination services. Their team works hard to get our children a plan that best fits them and helps them reach those important milestones.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Volunteers
• Monetary donations
• Raised (garden) planter beds
• Planting soil
• Starter plants
CONTACT:
Marina Satoafaiga
161 S. Wakea Ave., Kahului
808-244-7467
msatoafaiga@imuafamilyservices.org
*
MAUI MEDIATION SERVICES
WHAT THEY DO:
They work hard to keep the peace on Maui. Their mediators are professionally trained to help resolve conflicts that people are unable to work out on their own. The organization also seeks to improve the relationship between the participants by helping them listen to each other’s point of view and coming up with solutions that work for both parties.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
95 Mahalani St., Suite 25, Wailuku
808-244-5744
info@mauimediation.org
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FAMILY LIFE CENTER
WHAT THEY DO:
Stabilize the lives of people in their time of need with shelter, food, clothing and access to life changing support services that provide hope for a better future. Their staff makes sure clients receive all of the guidance needed and connection to other services to meet their special needs. This year they’ve already provided food and shelter for hundreds of families. They’ve seen homeless individuals reunited with their children as well as families placed in housing.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Commercial-size refrigerator with glass doors to store food
• Food
• Clothing (including shoes)
• Home accessories
• Gift cards
CONTACT:
Jackie Harp
95 S. Kane St., Kahului
808-877-0880
jackieh@flcmaui.org
*
ARTS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN GROUP
WHAT THEY DO:
Arts Education for Children Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic and cultural enrichment. AECG is committed to improving the quality of education in our schools by restoring music programs and restoring public awareness about the importance of participation in music and the arts. They do all this through the production of the annual Maui Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival and Jazz Maui concert series.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
• Volunteers
CONTACT:
Bryant Neal
P.O. Box 10756, Lahaina
808-283-3576
Info@aecg.org
*
MAUI YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
WHAT THEY DO:
Maui Youth & Family Services works hard to make sure that at-risk Maui youth (homeless, in foster care, dealing with substance use issues, in trouble with the law, aging out of foster care, etc.) have a place to turn for support. They work with pre-teens all the way up to people in their early twenties. They are available 24/7 through their emergency shelter program, so there’s never a time when a young person, or their family, feels like they cannot get help. When appropriate, they work with young people’s families so any underlying issues can be identified and handled in the best way possible and families can be reunified.
Their prevention programs, for middle schoolers at schools considered “at risk” for drug or alcohol use among students, help youth develop peer support from friendships made in a positive environment, which helps them stay on track and reduces the likelihood that they will later engage in dangerous and unhealthy activities. They provide emergency shelters, therapeutic foster care, in-school and after-school substance abuse counseling, support for homeless youth or young people aging out of foster care, intervention to divert youth on the path to incarceration and prevention programs.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Window-unit air conditioners
• Microwave oven
• Mini fridge
• Toiletries and home furnishings
• Gift cards to places like Jamba Juice to reward clients who succeed in our programs
• Gift cards to places like Kmart and Ross so youth can buy items like work clothes/shoes
• Gift cards for auto repair and/or gas to help youth aging out of foster care
• Gift cards for activities such as snorkeling and kayaking for Prevention Program youth who otherwise would not be able to participate in these kinds of activities
CONTACT:
Frances Duberstein
PO Box 790006, Paia
808-579-8414, ext. 8102
Fduberstein@aloha-house.org
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MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY
WHAT THEY DO:
Maui Humane Society is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to protect and save the lives of Maui’s animals; accepting all in need, educating the community, and inspiring respect and compassion towards all animals. They run Maui’s only 24-hour, open admission animal shelter. They reunite lost pets with their owners and operate an adoption center for abandoned pets, providing the highest standard of loving care and working hard to find them homes. Their Humane Enforcement department strives to ensure that Maui is a safe place for both Maui’s pets and people. They offer low-cost (and often free) spay-neuter surgeries to the community in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted pets on Maui, and also have thriving volunteer and community humane education programs.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Air kennels for large dogs (for our Wings of Aloha transfer program)
• Dog jerky treats from Costco (the dogs love them)
• Easy Walk Harnesses (all sizes, for their dog-walking program)
• Dog leashes (all sizes)
• Cat toys, treats and play wands
• Canned food for kittens, puppies, cats and dogs
• Guinea pig or rabbit fortified pellet food
• Kong toys for dogs
• Kuranda beds for cats and dogs
• Gift cards to Home Depot, Lowes, Office Max, Walmart, Costco or Ace Hardware
CONTACT:
Josephine Tempongko
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
1350 Mehameha Loop, PO Box 1047, Pu‘unene
808-877-3680 ext. 220
Education@mauihumanesociety.org
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LAHAINA ARTS ASSOCIATION
WHAT THEY DO:
The Lahaina Arts Association provides no-cost art education for children on Maui and Molokai who need it most, through their Maui Youth Art Outreach program. Their focus is to bring quality art education to children who would otherwise have no access to creative arts. Currently, they reach nearly 900 keiki every year. They also partner with Hana School and Kaunakakai School on Molokai to provide students their art education. And they partner with youth centers and government housing sites to serve communities in-need. Additionally, LAA provides annual scholarships for high school art students.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
• Tempura paint, all colors
• Paint brushes
• Colored paper
• Crayons, markers, colored pencils
• Watercolors
• Craft supplies
• Various art supplies
• Copy paper
CONTACT:
Erin Brothers
648 Wharf St., Suite 103, Lahaina
808-661-0111
Info@lahaina-arts.org
*
MAUI BICYCLING LEAGUE
WHAT THEY DO:
Maui Bicycling League is a new organization dedicated to making Maui friendlier and safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. They are Maui’s local chapter of the nonprofit Hawaii Bicycling League and we are working hard to establish safe bike paths, trails and bike lanes on Maui. By joining, members help ensure that more adults and kids ride bicycles for health, recreation and transportation by making Maui’s streets safer through advocacy, education and events.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
• New members
CONTACT:
Saman Dias
808-633-8553 ext 100
Saman@pedegomaui.com
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
WHAT THEY DO:
Habitat for Humanity Maui helps low income families realize the dream of homeownership. They’re a licensed contractor and a mortgage company. They build simple decent housing, then sell the homes with a 0 percent interest loan. In addition, they offer free homeownership classes to help prepare families for homeownership.
Their families are hardworking families who fall below the 80 percent of median income for the county of Maui. For a family of four, the median income is $75,100, so they help families who bring in between $27,890 and $61,400 a year. In addition, they help renovate substandard housing and make critical repairs so that families can safely live in their home. They have also helped many seniors who want to age in place.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
• Land donations
• Ice machine to provide cold water to all the volunteers at the job sites as well as in their store
• Volunteers to help on job sites
• Excess building materials
CONTACT:
Sherri K. Dodson
970 L. Main St., Wailuku
808-242-1140
Sherri@habitat-maui.org
*
THEATRE THEATRE MAUI
WHAT THEY DO:
Theatre Theatre Maui provides a full-spectrum of hands-on theater experience for children and adults in the West Maui community while also cultivating and nurturing local artists in the production of their original works. While there are several performance-based theater arts programs in Central or South Maui, there are very few performance-based drama programs offered on West Maui. Theatre Theatre Maui bridges this gap by providing low-cost and no-cost drama programs on the Westside. They provide free improv classes at the Boys and Girls Club in Lahaina. They also provide a tutor to teach theatre arts sessions as part of the Lahaina Complex Tutoring Program at Lahaina Intermediate School.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Cash donations
• Theatre lights
• Rolling casters
• Paint, rollers, pans, brushes
• Cardboard boxes, foam boards, paper, poster board
• Crayons, color marker pens, glue
• Tools of just about any kind and cleaning supplies for camp
• Extension cords, plastic buckets, safety scissors
CONTACT:
Angela R. Thompson, Executive Director
PO Box 12318, Lahaina
808-661-1168
Angie@ttmwestmaui.org
*
PACIFIC PRIMATE SANCTUARY
WHAT THEY DO:
The Pacific Primate Sanctuary works every day, all year to stop the suffering of animals and protect their lives. They offer refuge and protection to Central and South America primates from research labs, tourist attractions and the pet trade. Their work includes providing rehabilitative care, which enables primates to recover from the trauma and abuse that they’ve suffered and restoring some of their life in the natural world with others of their own kind. The sanctuary is an entirely volunteer, nonprofit organization.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
• Photovoltaic energy system
• New telephone with answering machine
• Gardening/groundskeeping equipment and tools
• Pet carriers
• Baby blankets
• Pillow cases
• Gift cards to local stores (Costco, Lowes, Home Depot, Safeway, etc.).
CONTACT:
Erin Enriques, Operations Manager
500-A Haloa Rd., Haiku
808-572-8089
Pps@pacificprimate.org
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FRIENDS OF MOKU`ULA
WHAT THEY DO:
Through educational programs, they cultivate awareness of Native Hawaiian culture and share the history of Lahaina and Maui with others, including students, teachers, visitors and residents. They are committed to restoring Hawaii’s royal complex at Moku‘ula and working with governmental entities to revive the pond of Mokuhinia (at the south end of Lahaina).
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
Blossom Feiteira
505 Front St., #221, Lahaina
808-661-3659
Friends@mokuula.com
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PAIA YOUTH & CULTURAL CENTER
WHAT THEY DO:
PYCC strives to operate as a drop-in youth center that offers an innovative Life Skills Program to their members via hands-on opportunities and mentorship. Life skills areas addressed include: cooking and nutrition, media arts education and radio broadcasting, service learning projects, and experiential education focusing on youth leadership skills, physical fitness and self awareness and care of the aina. Their mission statement is “Building Community Through Our Youth.” They work hard to preserve our environment with an ongoing dune restoration project and frequent beach clean-ups. They provide a safe, nurturing, happy and fun place for youth ages 9-18. They also jam around the clock on 88.9FM KOPO-LP.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
PO Box 790999, Paia
808-579-8354
Admin@pyccmaui.org
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KA LIMA O MAUI
WHAT THEY DO:
Ka Lima O Maui’s mission is “Enhancing Lives through Self-Reliance” for persons with disabilities through employment related services. They are Maui’s largest employer of persons with disabilities with 60 individuals working on our grounds and custodial service contracts. They also help individuals find work in the community and work closely with employers to garner successful job placements. Their Medicaid Waiver program focuses on helping persons with disabilities gain more independent living skills through a variety of individualized activities.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Folding chairs
• Arts and craft supplies
• Magazine subscriptions (cooking, crafting, automotive)
• Floor jack
• Battery jump box
• Vise
• Portable air compressor
• Acetylene torch set
• Screen for projector
CONTACT:
Chantal Ratte
95 Mahalani St. Ste 19B, Wailuku
808-244-5502
Info@kalimaomaui.org
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MAUI FOOD BANK
WHAT THEY DO:
They’re the county’s primary food provider for people in need. They serve about 10,000 people every month, 40 percent of whom are children.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Cash donations
• Canned food (meat, tuna, fruits, vegetables, soups)
• Boxes of cereal, rice and pasta
CONTACT:
808-243-9500
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ALOHA HOUSE
WHAT THEY DO:
Promote recovery and healthy lifestyles to individuals and families by providing compassionate, effective and comprehensive behavioral health services with the spirit of excellence and aloha. They provided comprehensive substance abuse and mental health services to more than 2,000 individuals in the community.
Aloha House helps anyone in need of substance abuse/addiction and/or mental health treatment, including those in crisis situations, as well as their families. They have a place to turn to not only get healthy but also to help them with transitioning into a new and sober lifestyle.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Towels
• Twin-size sheets and linens
• Housewares for sober living homes (regular-size stove, apartment-size stove, two refrigerators, dressers, hot plates, shower curtains, weedwackers, lawn mowers)
CONTACT:
Frances Duberstein
PO Box 791749, Paia
808-579-8414, ext. 8102
Fduberstein@aloha-house.org
*
MAUI FOREST BIRD RECOVERY PROJECT
WHAT THEY DO:
They are a research and management organization dedicated to the recovery of Maui’s native forest birds. They focus our efforts on the most endangered Hawaiian Honeycreeper species which is the Kiwikiu (aka the Maui Parrotbill). There are only 500 of them left in the world and are only found on Maui. They study their breeding biology, population status and productivity each year.
They also restore leeward high elevation forest of Haleakala where Kiwikiu were once found. They plant native seedlings, control invasive species and monitor the restoration progress. This is all in preparation for the future reintroduction of Kiwikiu and other endangered forest birds to the area.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Work gloves
• Gas gift cards for project vehicles
• Rite in the Rain field notebooks
• Office paper
• Costco gift card (to be used for household goods that are used in the field like toilet paper, batteries, dish soap)
• Rubber boots from Dell’s (women’s size 7, 8, 9 and men’s size 9, 10, 11)
• Waterproof leather hiking shoes (women’s size 7, 8 or 9 and Men’s size 10, 11, 12)
• Binocular shoulder harness
• Home Depot/Lowes gift cards to purchase materials to make scrub deck for invasive species control
• Recycled plastic lumber
• Cordless drill
• Pillow cases
• Rain pants and jackets
• Waterproof backpacks
• Nikwax Tech Wash (available at REI or Amazon)
• Landscaping help
• Computer services
• Graphic design services
• Oil and brake changes for field vehicle maintenance
CONTACT:
Laura Berthold
2465 Olinda Rd., Makawao
808-573-0280
Info@mauiforestbirds.org
*
MAUI UNITED WAY
WHAT THEY DO:
They provide much needed funding for programs that support vital needs targeting Education, Income Sustainability and Health. Maui United Way works to raise a million dollars annually to support 41 health and human service programs. Each year, they provide more than 70,000 services for people in need.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Toys for kids in need
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
270 Ho‘okahi St., Ste. 301
Kahului, HI 96732
808-870-2994
Laks@mauiunitedway.org
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MAUI PRIDE
WHAT THEY DO:
Maui Pride’s Mission is to encourage and celebrate the positive diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. They also assist in the education of all people through the development of activities that showcase the history, accomplishments and talents of these communities. The organization provides scholarships to LGBT students or students of LGBT parents.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
• Volunteers
CONTACT:
3388A Kehala Dr., Kihei
808-446-0549
Info@mauipride.org
*
HUI NO`EAU
WHAT THEY DO:
Founded in 1934, the mission of Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is to unlock creativity through exceptional visual arts education and to enhance this endeavor through the preservation of the historical Kaluanui Estate. The Hui is a nonprofit arts education organization dedicated to sharing the myriad benefits of the visual arts with the entire community–ranging from improving academic performance and supporting education to strengthening the economy and fostering public and private sector partnerships. Each year, the Hui educates about 900 children and the same number of adults in their studios as well as through partnerships with Maui’s schools and local community organizations.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Volunteers
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao
808-572-6560
Info@huinoeau.com
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MAUI CHORAL ARTS ASSOCIATION
WHAT THEY DO:
Maui Choral Arts Association is a nonprofit organization with a diverse group of committed and engaged members striving for excellence in choral music through community education and collaboration, as well as quality performance and entertainment.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
Carolyn McCammon
PO Box 1111, Kihei
Mauichoralarts@gmail.com
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WOMEN HELPING WOMEN
WHAT THEY DO:
They assist victims of domestic violence, primarily women and their children who must flee for their safety. They also help people obtain temporary restraining orders (TROs).
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
808-242-6600
Admin@whwmaui.net
*
GIVING BACK
WHAT THEY DO:
They work hard by pairing fit elders (age 55+) with frail elders to practice healthy aging activities together. All seniors improve their balance and brain function while having fun and creating a bonded relationship. They provide fall prevention and brain enhancement classes of very innovative exercises and activities for elders, both fit and frail.
Giving Back was the nonprofit winner from Hawaii of $10,000 for its Move with Balance program for elders. Move With Balance was one of six finalists for the 23rd annual Premier Cares Award for exemplary efforts by not-for-profit community organizations to improve the health of populations in need. They received a grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and held a successful program this fall.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Video camera
• IPad
• Art supplies (paper and markers)
CONTACT:
Karen Freesia Peterson
PO Box 791339, Paia
808-573-3109
kp@givingbackmentoring.org
*
MAUI ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS
WHAT THEY DO:
They provide a safe nurturing environment filled with love and compassion for adults with physical or cognitive impairments, personal care that pampers and keeps them safe and comfortable, and daily reminiscent activities to bring a spark of life back into their days. They strive to support the needs of caregivers; to help him/her survive their role; to know how to provide compassionate care through gained knowledge of dementia behaviors.
WHAT THEY NEED:
• Monetary donations
CONTACT:
Kathleen Couch, Program Coordinator
11 Mahaolu St. Suite B, Kahului
808-871-5804
Kathleen@madcc.org
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MALAMA MAUI NUI
WHAT THEY DO:
Community Work Day Program, doing business as Malama Maui Nui, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is empower the community to preserve the beauty and health of Maui County through litter prevention, recycling, and beautification programs. MMN brings together the energy and resources of individual volunteers, local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to achieve County-wide participation in environmental stewardship. It is MMN’s belief and vision that all people who work, live, and play in Maui County adopt the sustainable behaviors and environmental awareness necessary to ensure the high quality of life on the islands is preserved for present and future generations.
WHAT THEY NEED:
- Dedicated volunteers to support programs
- Funds to replace aging truck fleet
- Funds to complete an IT overhaul
- Funds to hire staff
- Garbage bags
- Latex gloves
- New shovels
- New wheelbarrows
- New power tools
- Fork lift
- Scanner/printer
CONTACT:
Jen Cox, Community Relations Specialist
Cover design: Darris Hurst
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