Editor’s note: Each Wednesday, West Hawaii Today is publishing a story about individuals, groups or organizations that have helped make life better for others in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hawaii Realtors, a leading statewide professional trade organization for the real estate industry, donated PPE, cleaning and education supplies to schools throughout the state in October and November as part of its annual Realtor Action Day.
Each year, the organization hosts the action day to assist schools in need. In 2018 and ‘19, RAD volunteers completed school improvement projects for 18 Hawaii schools, and in 2020 and ‘21, the organization transitioned to donating supplies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our schools still need basic supplies to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, as well as a variety of educational items to support a smooth transition back to in-classroom learning,” said Derek Lau, president of Hawaii Realtors. “Hawaii Realtors is pleased to continue its efforts to help our keiki and teachers during this time of increased need.”
On the Big Island, Realtors donated:
• 1,000 children’s disposable masks, 60 packs of disinfecting wipes, and 1,300 gloves to Konawaena Elementary School
• $200 Walmart gift card (for batteries, slippers and bottled water), 15 wall-mounted fans, 60 jump ropes, 30 hula hoops, 900 nametag lanyards, 96 pairs of extra clothing items, 24 storage containers, and 500 children’s disposable masks to Kea‘au Elementary School
Hawaii Realtors worked with each school to identify the supplies they needed most. In total, the organization donated and distributed thousands of items, including headphones, fans, masks, disinfectant, wipes, and gloves to 10 elementary, intermediate and high schools on five islands.
Hawaii Realtors is a professional trade organization founded in 1967 with more than 10,000 members involved in all aspects related to the sale, purchase, or exchange of real estate in Hawaii.
Know a Hometown Hero who should be highlighted next Wednesday? It can be anybody, from a youngster doing good for the community, to a professional helping with the COVID-19 pandemic, or even a kupuna! Please send your nominations to cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com with the subject: Hometown Heroes Nomination. Please include the hero’s name, contact information and what makes them a hero.