In anticipation of the upcoming school year, KKV held one of its quarterly pop-up donation events at The Towers at Kuhio Park (KPT) on Friday, July 29th. The dynamic team of Pearl Sheck of KKV’s KPT clinic, Daisy Park from medical billing, and Diena Peterson of MCH partnered with Anni Peterson of Better Tomorrows who oversees community events at KPT. “Our goal for this event,” says Pearl, “is not only to prepare parents and kids to go back to school, but also get them excited for a new school year!” 

This month’s event was named “Back-to-School Gala” as a community celebration featuring food, music, and the distribution of items needed for our keiki to start the school year off right. KKV is grateful to the many partner organizations and volunteers who participated. Project Vision gave free eye exams and a vaccination clinic, and KKV’s Dental Department brought the dental van for free dental services and exams. Parents and Children Together (PACT), Better Tomorrows, and Hawaii Literacy provided free school supplies, and KKV’s Donations team supplied clothing, school supplies, face masks, and COVID test kits to take home. Community barbers gave free haircuts, and Kyleigh Lilo at Venturebel Media took photos. Local DJ Blair Cabaluna volunteered by playing music, creating a festive atmosphere where everyone felt welcome.  

The idea for the pop-up events started a couple of years ago, with a conversation between two of KKV’s staff members, Diena and Daisy, who both grew up in Kalihi and shared the same passion for supporting and giving back to the community they know and love. One of Daisy’s favorite moments was simply “see[ing] the excitement on kids' faces as they received their colorful backpacks filled with school supplies,” and observing how appreciative and polite parents were while waiting in line and picking out items for their keiki.  

The KPT Family Strengthening community events keep getting bigger and more fun for residents as more community partners come together to volunteer their services, distribute goods, and share knowledge. Diena observed how the huge turnout “emphasize[s] the need in our community...Everything included allowed [families] to save money and really relieve stress, especially trying to prepare kids to return to school.”  Mahalo to all the supporters of the Gala who donated services and goods, including the Assistance League Organization and the staff at KKV!  

Do you have toys, books, gently used clothing, household items, or a monetary donation to contribute? If so, please contact Daisy at dpark@kkv.net, Diena at dpeterson@kkv.net, or Pearl at psheck@kkv.net.