Maui Toy Drive Gives to Abused and Neglected Kids

Monsanto’s Maui employees present their gifts to Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui. Back Row: Cherrylyne Tabag, Nema Rabino, Eugenia Sitts, Aurora Esmaquel, Nancy Rose, Carol, Angie Inay, Aileen Galapia. Front Row: Kristina Santiago, Merlito Gamboa, Glenn Haban, Paul Tonnessen (of the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui).

By Wendy Osher

The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui is one of the many organizations conducting toy drives this year.

The non-profit agency conducts the annual campaign in the hopes of brightening the holiday season for more than 1,600 children county-wide who are abused, neglected and/or in foster care.

Contributing to the campaign this year were employees from Monsanto on Maui who collected nearly 100 toys in a single week.

“A heartfelt mahalo to all our employees who donated and went above-and-beyond to support this very special cause,” said Carol Reimann, community affairs manager for Monsanto on Maui.

“For over two decades, this important non-profit organization has been providing assistance to abused and neglected children in Maui County and promoting prevention of child abuse and neglect. Their work in our community is truly a gift a love and one that will keep on giving for years to come,” said Reimann.

Donations include books, games, sporting equipment, dolls, trucks, tea sets, play jewelry, stuffed animals, musical instruments, and more.

Paul Tonnessen, the executive director of the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui expressed gratitude for the many businesses that offered support saying, “Their generous donation demonstrates the true meaning of giving.”