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Hawaii Nonprofits
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Sharing stories, resources, and ideas that support Hawaii’s nonprofit community.

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With New Year’s celebrations approaching this week, the Maui Humane Society is urging pet owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals from the stress of fireworks.

According to the society, one-in-five pets go missing after being startled by the sound of fireworks or other loud noises.
Maui Humane Society urges precautions for pets exposed to New Year’s Eve fireworks | Maui Now
With New Year’s celebrations approaching this week, the Maui Humane Society is urging pet owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals from the stress of fireworks.
mauinow.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:56 AM
Brandy Shimabukuro, director of communications and marketing for the Hawaiian Humane Society, says:

“We get flooded with an influx of animals that have gotten loose from their homes. In the aftermath of New Year’s Eve, we can see anywhere from 80 to 130 just in the two to three days after.”
How to keep your pets safe and secure on New Year’s Eve
Fireworks can be terrifying for pets, and the Hawaiian Humane Society says planning ahead can make all the difference this New Year’s Eve.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Security experts warn the holiday season is an opportune time for criminals looking to exploit the goodwill of internet users.

If you’re looking to donate to local charities, experts say be careful.

Scammers can take advantage of you through fake nonprofit websites, imposter crowdfunding campaigns
Donating safely: How to protect yourself and nonprofits from scammers
Experts say criminals are using fake nonprofit websites, imposter crowdfunding campaigns, phishing emails, and social media posts to exploit the goodwill of internet users.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Volunteering with children can instill confidence in youngsters, teach social and problem-solving skills and provide unique ways for families to bond.

But often nonprofit organizations seek helpers who are at least 18 years old. There are opportunities, if you persist.
Volunteering with children can build character and create lasting family memories
Volunteering with children can build confidence and teach social and problem-solving skills. It also provides unique ways for families to bond.
apnews.com
December 28, 2025 at 9:24 PM
One photograph shows a mustachioed man wearing a suit and a homburg hat, standing on the palace steps facing the Christmas tree. Someone used a red pen to draw lines around this person.

"We would like to know the identity of this man. Someone must have highlighted him for a reason” - Adam Jansen.
Photos recall early Oʻahu Christmas tradition as archivists search for mystery man | Maui Now
Over a century ago, three malihini (newcomers) organized a gift giveaway for thousands of Oʻahu's underprivileged children that would, for seven years, become a beloved island tradition. It was called...
mauinow.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:15 AM
KaiAloha Supply recently supported keiki-focused nonprofits through its third annual Holiday Keiki Toy Drive, dedicating over $9,000 in toy budgets to 10 organizations on Maui and Oʻahu, the company announced this week.

The Maui-based clothing brand allocated $1,000 to each of its nine physical ...
KaiAloha Supply donates $9K to keiki-focused nonprofits on Maui and Oʻahu | Maui Now
KaiAloha Supply recently supported keiki-focused nonprofits through its third annual Holiday Keiki Toy Drive, dedicating over $9,000 in toy budgets to 10 organizations on Maui and Oʻahu, the company a...
mauinow.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:02 AM
On Dec. 12, the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section collected more than $8,200 in monetary donations and gathered over 2,300 pounds of nonperishable food during a Fill a Cruiser event at Costco.

All donations were distributed to Hawaiʻi Island families and individuals in ...
Hawaiʻi police celebrate a successful community charity event after the holidays | Big Island Now
Hawaiʻi Police Department donated $8,200 and 2,300 pounds of food to the Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket after a successful Fill a Cruiser food drive this holiday season.
bigislandnow.com
December 27, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Blood Bank of Hawaii partnered with Dave & Buster’s, in the Ala Moana Center, Friday for a blood drive.

After giving blood, each donor received an unlimited play card, which they could immediately use to play games and win tickets and prizes.

It kicked off at 9 a.m. and went until 3 p.m.
Donors play for free at Dave & Buster’s blood drive
Due to holiday travel and school breaks, Blood Bank of Hawaii says they typically experience a drop in donations around the holidays.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Eighty-three volunteers gathered at Saint Theresa’s Church in Kihei on Christmas Day to serve hot meals to those in need, continuing a tradition that has fed Maui’s hungry for more than three decades.

The Hale Kau Kau program served nearly 400 people on Christmas, part of a mission that began in...
Church volunteers on Maui serve nearly 400 meals during Christmas tradition
Eighty-three volunteers gathered at Saint Theresa's Church in Kihei on Christmas Day to serve hot meals to those in need, continuing a tradition that has fed Maui's hungry for more than three decades.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, an organization that has supported children and families experiencing grief and trauma since 2001, launched a localized, 24/7 referral and crisis line for queer youth and families.

The crisis line was launched just ahead of the stressful holiday season, which can be especia...
Hawaii nonprofit launches culturally grounded crisis line for queer youth during holidays
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, Kids Hurt Too is offering a free 24/7 helpline through Jan. 9. Call (808) 545-5683.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 25, 2025 at 11:40 PM
The Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation supplied 127 defibrillators, which can be used to revive a patient’s heart after it stops beating.

Officials said the defibrillators will be kept in officers’ patrol cars.

The $200,000 investment was made possible by private donations, said officials.
Hospital donates life-saving equipment to police officers
The Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation supplied 127 defibrillators for placement in officers' patrol cars.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 25, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Lanakila Pacific Meals on Wheels has many volunteers during this holiday season, preparing the big Christmas meal.
Lanakila Pacific Volunteers
Lanakila Pacific Meals on Wheels has many volunteers during this holiday season, preparing the big Christmas meal.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
While many families open gifts on Christmas morning, volunteers at Lanakila Pacific Meals on Wheels will be hard at work delivering holiday meals to seniors across the community.

The organization is preparing 600 Christmas meals for kupuna who may not have family in town or special holiday plans...
Lanakila Pacific volunteers prepare 600 Christmas meals for kupuna
The organization is preparing 600 Christmas meals for kupuna who may not have family in town or special holiday plans.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 25, 2025 at 4:57 PM
The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division — which includes the nonprofit’s corps locations on the Big Island — fulfilled holiday wishes for thousands of keiki and kūpuna throughout Hawai‘i and Guam this month, unwrapping and sharing joy as part of its Angel Tree program.
Salvation Army Angel Tree program unwraps holiday joy for thousands of families in need | Big Island Now
Holiday wishes were fulfilled for a total of 16,435 youth and seniors throughout The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division, but the need is growing and continues beyond the holidays; cons...
bigislandnow.com
December 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Businessman Jim Falk donates the money. Aaron “Moose” Reichert, owner of Krank Cycles Maui, donates the muscle. The result is brand new bikes for hundreds of kids, built by volunteers who unbox, assemble and safety check bicycles over four Saturdays leading up to Christmas.
Gift Of Giving Starts With Two Wheels For Maui Keiki
For the past 12 years, Maui businessman Jim Falk has donated hundreds of bicycles to Maui County keiki for Christmas.
www.civilbeat.org
December 25, 2025 at 4:44 PM
The centerpiece: “Catch a Big Wave with Your Longboard,” a statewide sweepstakes featuring one-of-a-kind custom surfboards hand-drawn by Ojerio. Running from Dec. 1, 2025, through Feb. 28, 2026, the campaign invites community members ages 21 and over to enter for a chance to win while celebrating...
Local artist, surfers, and Tumua unite as Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi and Eddie Aikau Foundation launch surfboard sweepstakes | Maui Now
Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi is bringing together some of Hawaiʻi's most beloved voices including Native Hawaiian artist JT Ojerio (Aloha de Mele), comedian and emcee Tumua, alongside professional surfers, an...
mauinow.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Young storytellers will take the stage to share their view of the world, their insights and their vision for the future, from the shores of the Valley Isle to communities around the world. Inclusion, diversity, mental health, peer pressure, climate resilience and stories that connect families and...
Imua Family Services to debut ‘Be Reel Child and Youth Film Festival’ in May 2026 | Maui Now
Imua Family Services has announced the launch of the Be Reel Child & Youth Film Festival. The three-day film festival "created for kids, about kids and by kids" is set to debut in May 2026.
mauinow.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:14 AM
On Dec. 6, representatives from the three Lahaina Rotary Clubs, Treecovery and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation came together to replant Keawaiki Park with native Hawaiian trees, groundcover and vines.

Located in front of Lahaina Harbor, the park has two shade trellises, a flagpole, benches ...
Volunteers replant Keawaiki Park at Lahaina Harbor with native plants | Maui Now
On Dec. 6, representatives from the three Lahaina Rotary Clubs, Treecovery, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation came together to replant Keawaiki Park with native Hawaiian trees, groundcover and vi...
mauinow.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Most Americans aren’t making end-of-year charitable giving plans, according to the results of a new AP-NORC poll, despite the many fundraising appeals made by nonprofits that rely on donation surges in the calendar’s final month to reach budget targets.
Most US adults aren't making year-end charitable contributions, new AP-NORC poll finds
A new AP-NORC poll finds that most Americans aren’t making end-of-year charitable giving plans, despite the many fundraising appeals made by nonprofits that rely on donation surges in the calendar’s f...
apnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM
When the federal government shut down in October and people stopped receiving food assistance funds, the Maui nonprofit Feed My Sheep had over 30 more applicants apply for its weekly grocery distribution program, including people who hadn’t sought assistance since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a year of federal cuts and fading fire recovery funds, Maui nonprofits hold fast | Maui Now
Government shutdown and pause in SNAP benefits at the end of the year spurred even more need in the community.
mauinow.com
December 21, 2025 at 7:55 PM
“We thank the generosity of businesses and individuals in the community for supporting our largest fundraiser of 2026. Given the uncertainties over federal funding, the money raised from the 2026 Gala will help us maintain our programs and support people in need in Maui County.”
MEO 2026 Gala honoring state Sen. Troy Hashimoto sold out | Maui Now
Maui Economic Opportunity’s 2026 Gala, which honors state Sen. Troy Hashimoto, is sold out.
mauinow.com
December 20, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Hawaiʻi is among six states set to impose new restrictions on what types of food can be purchased with benefits from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — still commonly referred to as food stamps — as announced recently through U.S. Department of Agriculture ...
Organizations say new SNAP limits mean higher costs, fewer choices for Hawaiʻi families | Big Island Now
With nearly 1 in 3 Hawai‘i families already not able to get enough food, local anti-hunger and public health organizations say the real barrier to healthy eating is affordability, not banning sugary p...
bigislandnow.com
December 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
The Hawaiian Humane Society is waiving adoption fees through Dec. 31, during their “Home for the Holidays” special.

They have more than 700 animals in need of homes, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and tortoises at their Moiliili Campus and Kosasa Family Campus at Hoopili.
Hawaiian Humane Society waives adoption fees during ‘Home for the Holidays’ special
The Hawaiian Humane Society is waiving adoption fees for animals from Dec. 19 to the 31st.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Hale Kipa has been selected as one of 35 organizations nationwide to receive a grant from the Decolonizing Wealth Project’s inaugural Youth Mental Health Fund, which supports culturally grounded mental health services for young people and families.
Hawaiʻi nonprofit among 35 nationwide to receive major youth mental health grant | Maui Now
Hale Kipa has been selected as one of 35 organizations nationwide to receive a grant from the Decolonizing Wealth Project’s inaugural Youth Mental Health Fund, which supports culturally grounded menta...
mauinow.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Rainbow Drive-In and the Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division are teaming up this December with a round up program.

Customers at the Rainbow Drive-In locations in Kapahulu and Kalihi are invited to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, turning spare change into meaningful
Salvation Army to partner with Rainbow Drive-In to support local families
To participate, customers can simply say or select “yes” when asked if they wish to round up at checkout.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:14 AM