The Hawaiʻi Police Department launched its annual islandwide backpack drive for keiki in need late last month — and there's still time to donate.
Now through July 20, new and unfilled backpacks may be dropped off at any Hawaiʻi Island police station. The backpacks will then be distributed by Hope Services Hawaiʻi to children at women’s and homeless shelters, as well as transitional housing facilities, around the island.
"Each contribution to help a child in need is greatly appreciated," Hope Services said on its website. "Backpacks are the most requested non-food item by charities in Hawaiʻi."
Since 2008, the Hawaiʻi Police Department has partnered on this initiative with Hope Services – a Hawaiʻi Island-based nonprofit agency committed to ending homelessness.
Hilo Police Officer Kaipokoka "Kaipo" Aurello told Aloha State Daily this week that dozens of backpacks had been donated, at least to his station, so far.
"We wonʻt count them all until the end. Based on the last few years, weʻre expecting to collect between 600 and 700 backpacks in total," he said.
Aurello noted that HPD has gotten the word out about the drive through media coverage and local radio stations. "We've been doing this every year since 2008, so there's some familiarity around what we're doing."
"We’re grateful for whatever participation we get," he said. "What makes it so special is that every donation stays here — for our neighbors, our keiki, our community."
In addition, the Hawaiʻi Police Department supports Special Olympics Hawaiʻi through its annual Badges and Buckets fundraiser the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Aurello said. The Hilo Community Policing Section has also volunteered for the annual Heroes and Helpers, or "Shop with a Cop," event during the holidays.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
