KAHULUI — The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and Kāko’o Haleakalā this week launched Makana for Maui, a Christmas gift drive for keiki affected by the Maui wildfires. The gift drive is active now and runs through Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.

“For many Maui ‘ohana, gathering this holiday season will be very different and difficult this year,” said Kukui Keahi, operations manager of CNHA’s Kāko’o Maui Resource Hub. “We know the community truly appreciates any support provided to help make the season a little brighter for all of our keiki.”

New, unused and unwrapped gifts and toys can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at CNHA’s Kāko’o Maui Resource Hub at Maui Mall located at 70 E. Ka’ahumanu Avenue, Unit D1, in Kahului. Gifts can also be mailed to the Resource Hub. The mailing address is 153 E. Ka’ahumanu, Unit D1, Kahului, HI 96732. Gift cards are also accepted.

“The community stepped up for Lahaina and Kula in the days and weeks after the fires. Now during the holidays, we want to support the keiki so they can have a joyous holiday and know they aren’t forgotten,” said Kiha Kaina, the lead volunteer with Makana for Maui.

Children eligible to receive gifts from Makana for Maui must be registered by their parent or guardian at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScX_FC7_nOtYyvHTNpL4ZX4IqPClUAv9UCDcesnW21DjgdTpw/viewform by Dec. 2. Business donations to support in purchasing a child’s preferred makana are also welcomed. Donations of $2,500 or more can be made at the following business donation website: www.memberplanet.com/campaign/cnhamembers/makanaformaui.

All toys, gifts and gift cards will be wrapped and distributed to keiki impacted by the Maui wildfires by volunteers in partnership with CNHA and Kāko’o Haleakalā.