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Project Hawai’i Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless children in Hawaii, is seeking donations for its summer camp and back-to-school programs.
The camp program, which will hold its next session on Thursday, July 28, focuses on teenagers, who outnumber girls by 4 times in Project Hawai’i. The program includes activities such as trips to the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. It also runs a camp on the island of Hawaii where volunteer experts shared their knowledge on topics such as science, drama, and healthy eating. The cost of the program is $680 per teen, but smaller donations can be made for meals ($20), shoes ($50) or housing ($100). Any amount is accepted.
For its back-to-school program, the organization is soliciting donations for items such as backpacks ($25), a basic school kit ($15), a bag of hygiene supplies ($12), new clothes and shoes ($20 to $50) and school uniforms ($7 to $15). Full sponsorship for a teenager is $171; for the keiki, $126.
The organization, founded in 2003 by former homeless man Magin Patrick and former teacher and coach Cliff Kama, helps approximately 1,600 children across the state, providing them with educational opportunities as well as healthy meals, produce personal hygiene and emergency services. Their offerings also include a parenting program for homeless mothers, a mentorship program for teens, and a program that provides sports equipment.
The organization is also building a dormitory for homeless young women attending the University of Hawaii-Hilo.
To donate or for more information, visit helpthehomelesskeiki.org