Since opening its doors in April, the Kamehameha Schools Donation Station has received more than 7,000 pounds of gently used educational items donated from members of the KS ‘ohana.
These supplies are free and available to anyone across all levels of the education field, including individuals who wish to use the supplies for educational purposes. Last year, the Donation Station benefitted a wide range of educators including those from charter schools and the DOE system, and that trend has continued so far in 2016.
The Donation Station not only helps educators, but also benefits the environment by redistributing items instead of sending used articles straight into landfills. The Our Kaka‘ako locale also provides a centralized access point for both KS employees and those in the community.
Miriam McMillian, an educator at St. Mark Lutheran School, stopped by the Donation Station recently and secured over 60 pounds of free supplies for use at her school. McMillian picked up colored paper, file folders, clipboards and other useful items.
“I think the Kamehameha Schools Donation Station is an excellent idea,” said the second grade teacher. “There are many teachers on the island who could use these supplies and not have to pay out of pocket. Also, what a great idea to recycle supplies and put them to good use.”
According to KS Sustainability Manger Amy Brinker, last year’s Donation Station was held at Kawaiaha‘o Plaza, and the move to Our Kaka‘ako in 2016 resulted in a larger space and an increased capacity for donations. Additionally, this year’s Donation Station will be open for six months (until Dec. 16, 2016) compared to six weeks last year.
“Kakaʻako is a perfect spot because the convenient location allows individuals to get involved and drop by with ease,” Brinker said.
Gerilyn Pinnow of Iroquois Elementary School found a magazine rack and plans on utilizing it as a folder organizer for her students.
“I looked for one of these for years through doctor’s office catalogs and could not afford it with (the added costs of) shipping,” explained Pinnow. “Thank you (Kamehameha Schools) for your fabulous idea and I hope it grows! It's a win-win for our whole community!”
Although the Donation Station is open to all educators, KS employees are afforded the first opportunity to select items. Once the Station opens, the first two hours are designated for KS affiliates then educators from the general public can peruse the vast selection.
The Donation Station project supports the KS Strategic Plan for 2015-2020 - Kūhanauna, specifically addressing goals 2, 3 and 5, with the objective of allowing KS to serve as a highly engaged Native Hawaiian organization that’s aware of its influence on the ʻāina and strives toward impact-driven resource management.
Kamehameha Schools Donation Station
WHERE:
Located in Our Kakaʻako on 401 Cooke St. (near This Is It Bakery) Honolulu, 96813
HOURS OF OPERATION:
The Donation Station is open now through Dec. 16, 2016 on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4 p.m. (KS affiliates only) and to 6 p.m. (public and KS affiliates), and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon (KS affiliates only) and 2 p.m. (public and KS affiliates).
PARKING:
Parking is available on the makai and back sides of the building.
Interested in finding out how you can kōkua? Read more here, or click here for more information on the Donation Station.
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community engagement and resources,cred,ce&r,kakaako,sp2020
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