A Kid Working for Kids

Four years ago, Nani came up with an idea that put smiles on a lot of young faces, including her own. She and some friends began to collect used children’s books to share with other kids. In practically no time, she packed her family garage with more than 1,000 books, and had expanded her collecting to also include backpacks, art supplies, and children’s clothes. All of these would be donated to children’s charities, homeless shelters, hospitals, transitional housing for families, and island schools. Nani’s mother drove to shelters in Hilo and Kona to personally distribute many of the items.

Nani called her project “From Kids for Kids,” and it has now taken on a life of its own. The Hawai‘i County Police Department offered its support, allowing its police stations around the island to be used as drop-off points. For the past two years, they’ve participated in what has become an annual drive to put these much-needed items into the hands of children who ordinarily couldn’t afford them.

“When I learned that some kids bring all of their clothes and belongings to homeless shelters in garbage bags, it bothered me,” Nani said. “I really think that having a new backpack or clothes to wear, especially as a gift from another kid, will make them feel better.” Backpacks are the most requested item for children’s charities not only in Hawai‘i, but also around the world.

It’s rare for anyone—a child of 10, no less, as Nani was at the time—to start something that has taken root the way “From Kids for Kids” has. Now 14, Nani continues to put time into her charitable endeavor, but admits that with the rigors of school and other activities her time is spread pretty thin. Fortunately, she attends a school that supports her all the way.

Nani enjoys art, particularly drawing and painting. When she was a Middle School day student, Nani attended dance class after school every Monday, preparing for an all-class performance at Kahilu Theater, a world-class concert venue in Waimea. She also participated in Middle School plays and looks forward to performing in musicals presented in the Upper School’s Gates Performing Arts Center.

“I really enjoy it here,” she said. “The teachers are really great and the education is better, I think. My parents like having me here. They want me to have a future and be able to do something I really want to do.”

For more information about “From Kids for Kids,” or to support Nani’s project, call 808-885-4171.