To help, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union partnered with Palama Settlement to host a Back-2-School Backpack Giveaway on July 30 for elementary students in the Kalihi-Palama community. Thanks to our partner Fisher Hawaii, we purchased supplies for 250 filled backpacks worth more than $10,000, including notebooks, crayons, pencils, and folders. In total, 450 keiki received brand-new backpacks filled with these essential school supplies, setting them up for a confident and prepared start to the school year.
On distribution day, HawaiiUSA volunteers welcomed families and led fun financial wellness activities for the keiki. Metro Christian Church provided free food and shave ice, HMSA shared resources on anti-bullying and anti-vaping, and other partners offered services and giveaways. The turnout exceeded expectations, with families and neighbors coming together to celebrate the start of a new school year.
“This event was about more than just school supplies; it was about showing our support for the keiki and families in our community by setting them up for a successful school year,” said Palama Settlement Executive Director Sam Aiona.
HawaiiUSA believes helping keiki succeed in school is an investment in Hawaii’s future. By working with community partners like Palama Settlement, we can make a real difference, one backpack, one smile, and one child at a time.
August 19, 2025
Supporting local students with essential school supplies
Going back to school is an exciting time for students, but for many families, it can also be stressful. The cost of school supplies can quickly add up, making it harder for children to start the year with the tools they need to succeed.
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