August can bring a great deal of anxiety for families struggling financially when faced with the price tag on basic school supplies. But thanks to The Big Island Giving Tree’s annual “Adopt A Student” program, all children can once again arrive to class with a full backpack and a bright smile.
As one of two programs that make a difference in North Hawaii, The Big Island Giving Tree is the liaison between local sponsors and hundreds of in-need families on the Big Island through a referral process. Among those on the list are students raised in single parent families, students being cared for by their grandparents or other family members, orphans students and students that are homeless.
The program launched several weeks ago and will continue through July 8.
Anyone interested can “adopt” a student by completing a sponsor form. They are then sent a student’s school supply list, purchase the items, place them in a new backpack and drop off it off to a Giving Tree volunteer who then delivers it to a student. A specific student or location can be requested.
Interested residents who cannot afford to sponsor a child’s entire school list may also donate smaller packs of school supplies or monetary donations. Checks can be made payable to The Big Island Giving Tree. All donations are tax deductible.
To sponsor a student and access the school supply list, go to http://bigthawaii.weebly.com/. For questions, email Rhonda Bell at thebigislandgivingtree@gmail.com or call 880-1984.