Page 5 - MidWeek - April 6, 2022

APRIL 6, 2022 MIDWEEK 5
Mary Monohon
It started as a service project to con- duct hearing tests for preschoolers in 1971, the same year Assistance League of Hawai‘i first became a chap- ter. Since then, the organization has evolved into numerous programs offer- ing support throughout the state after 50 years of being in service.
Most recently, the nonprofit organiza- tion provided 39 Kōkua Boxes to more than 40 schools on O‘ahu, Moloka‘i and Hawai‘i Island. In each of the large plastic reusable tubs were myriad sizes of shorts, T-shirts, underwear, slippers and masks that were delivered by Assistance League of Hawai‘i volunteers to schools on O‘ahu and mailed to neighbor island campuses throughout January and February. This is now an ongoing philanthropic program in which institutions can contact the organi- zation to reorder supplies.
purses, hats and shoes. In addition, the store also sells a wide assortment of col- lectibles, jewelry, household goods, linens and small appliances. Volunteers work hard to make sure the merchandise is al- ways good quality, clean and priced fairly.
“We serve women, children and needy families, but children are the focus,” says president Mary Monohon. “We go into the community and do other programs, but the kids just hold a special place in all of our hearts.”
“Our inventory is donated, and what- ever inventory we don’t sell at the store, we re-donate it and share it with the com- munity such as Boys & Girls Club,” notes Monohon.
Assistance League of Hawai‘i is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that puts caring and commitment into action through philanthropic programs in Ha- wai‘i. In addition to Kōkua Boxes, the organization also provides additional ser- vices to help the state. Its We Care pro- gram, for example, gives “layettes” that are composed of baby blankets, diapers and onesies, and delivers them to hospitals to give to new mothers.
The thrift shop is located at 1505 Young St. and is open 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat- urdays. Donations are also welcome and accepted only on Saturdays during normal thrift shop hours.
It also offers Mālama Bears, comfort teddy bears, which are given to children staying in the hospital who have experi- enced trauma. Its Tūtū Tutorial program where volunteers are sent out to class- rooms to help students read is also going to be revitalized.
“This is a very good program for people that just want to step in and do something for the community,” says Monohon. “It’s a very good outlet for someone who wants to do community service, but doesn’t know where to start.
The main source of funding for the organization’s philanthropic programs is the Assistance League of Hawai‘i Thrift Shop, which is staffed and managed en- tirely by member volunteers. Here, one can find great prices on men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, accessory items,
“Our programs really promote nurtur- ing the community and the keiki, but it also gives back to us as volunteers. We receive a real benefit by giving to the community and the programs are so re- warding.”
Assistance League of Hawai‘i is hoping to expand its membership and is always looking for volunteers.
For more information, visit assistance- league.org/hawaii.
— Jocelyn Lansangan
Photo courtesy Assistance League of Hawai‘i