In the fall of 2019, fourth-graders at Hana School showed their excitement when their school was presented with a check for $850 along with 40 boxes of collected supplies from the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset. Adults in the back row are (from left): Beth Senner, fourth grade teacher; 2019 Lahaina Sunset President Heidi Dollinger; Principal Chris Sanita; and Lahaina Sunset Vocational Service Chair Tori Taylor.

LAHAINA – On Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, two West Maui Rotary Clubs will hold School Supplies Drives for children in need.

The drives will be held at the entrance to Lahaina Cannery Mall next to Longs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

On Aug. 8, the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will hold the drive for the children of Hana School, an underserved remote school located 72 miles away in East Maui.

According to Past President Joanne Laird, “The children who attend Hana School are often forgotten when community service organizations host school supplies drives. It is a challenge for these students to acquire the needed supplies to return to school.”

On Aug. 9, the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise will hold the drive for the children at King Kamehameha III School in Lahaina.

According to President Ronald “Skeeter” Stebbins, “We look forward to helping children in need receive required supplies to return to school after being away for so long”.

These clubs will receive supplies and/or monetary donations both days of the drive to support the children at these two schools. If you cannot come in person to make a contribution, donations are accepted online via the following platforms: Venmo account @RotaryClubofLahainaSunsetFoundation or via PayPal to RotaryLahainaSunsetDonate@gmail.com. When making an online donation, please indicate which school you would like to direct your contribution.

This school supplies drive is one of the many community service projects sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Lahaina Sunrise and Lahaina Sunset. Rotary is a leadership organization made up of local business, professional and civic leaders. For more information about either club, go to their website.

In related news, the Rotary Club of Lahaina is partnering with The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach for a beach cleanup on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8 to 9 a.m.

The group will meet on the beach side of The Whaler at 2481 Kaanapali Parkway.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, appropriate footwear, a friend, your smile and love for the community. Trash bags, gloves and light refreshments will be provided.

Students seeking community service hours should bring verification forms and a parent.

For more information, contact Rotary Club of Lahaina Public Relations/Social Chair Rhonda Park at hibooklady@yahoo.com.