2100 Toys Collected in Annual Drive for Kids in Need

Through a collaborative partnership, Maui United Way and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center collected donated toys for over 2,100 children in need in Maui County this past holiday season. Photo includes: Maui United Soccer Club players; Brent Nunes, Director of Coaching.

Maui United Way and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s collaboration to collect toys for children in need during the holidays brought in more than 2,100 toys.

Through a collaborative partnership, Maui United Way and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center collected donated toys for thousands of kids in need.

Makana Rosete, Community Impact Coordinator for Maui United Way commented saying, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to touch so many lives during the holiday season.  With the support of our community, we are able to help families ensure no child has to wake up on Christmas morning without a gift from Santa.”

Paul Tonnessen, Executive Director of Friend of the Children’s Justice Center said, “Its wonderful when non-profit organizations can come together to maximize their impact for people in need.  Our partnership allowed us to share resources and ensure more children would receive toys this year.”

Organizers say the 2015 Holiday Toy Drive was the most successful to date and both MUW and FOTCJC intend on continuing the partnership next year.  The drive’s success was also supported by the generosity of community partners, the list of which includes: HouseMart, Ben Franklin & Ace Hardware Stores; Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa; Pacific Media Group; The Shops at Wailea; Hawaiʻi National Bank; County of Maui; Habitat for Humanity; Simplicity HR by Altres; Maui Veterinary Clinic; Emmanuel Lutheran School; Carden Academy; Pu’u Kukui Elementary School; and Maui United Soccer Club.

Friends of the Children’s Justice Center provides assistance to abused and neglected children in Maui County by receiving requests from over 25 social services agencies and other professions for services or items that will help with the healing of the child. In the past year, FCJC was able to serve 800 children with funding for direct services.