More than 125 community members came together at Leeward Community College¡¯s on August 1, for a joyful keiki reading event that provided keiki with books, backpacks and school supplies—just in time for the new school year.
The free family event aimed to promote literacy and learning, while building community spirit. Keiki enjoyed storytelling, read-aloud sessions, crafts, and snacks, and each child received a new book and a backpack full of supplies.
The event was made possible through the support of several local partners, including:
- Asian Pacific American Librarians Association – Awarded the $500 Talk Story Grant that helped purchase school supplies.
- Women of Waiʻanae – Served as the grant¡¯s fiscal sponsor and donated free children¡¯s clothing, toys, books and plants.
- Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club – Donated Hawaiian-English books to support bilingual literacy.
- ²Ñ¨¡ʻ¾±±ô¾± Elementary School – Donated 100 backpacks.
- °¨©ʻ²¹±è³Ü – Helped secure additional funding for books, snacks and supplies.
- Cynthia Texeira (Windward CC) – Donated craft materials.
- Leeward CC Library – Applied for the initial grant and organized the event.
- Waiʻanae Moku peer mentors – Co-led the event alongside staff.
- Leeward Hui ʻOhana – Staffed a table.
“This event really reflects the spirit of community and education,” said Hauʻolihiwahiwa Moniz, Leeward CC Hawaiian and Pacific resource librarian. “We¡¯re grateful to all our partners for making sure our keiki feel excited and ready to learn.”