Aloha Initiative begins clothing drive for Sendai earthquake victims staying in Hawaii

OAHU/MAUI — The Aloha Initiative organizers today launched a Clothing Drive.  Their mission is to collect gently used clothing for the victims of Japan affected by the March earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis and who are scheduled to arrive on Oahu and Maui on July 4. 

Japan families selected for the program were on the basis of greatest personal need and circumstance. Those women, men and children selected will be flown to Hawaii and spend up to 90 days with host families willing to take the displaced residents in and provide them with a warm, nurturing environment during their time of crisis. The Aloha Initiative will be paying for ground and the discounted air transportation to and from Hawaii as well as traveler’s insurance.

The public may donate new or gently used clothing at any of the following drop-off locations:
 
OAHU:

Hope Chapel West Oahu in the Waikele Shopping Center, 94-877 Lumiaina Street, Building 12, Waipahu.  Donations will be received on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 5 pm and first Saturday of each month in July and August from 9 am to noon.

MAUI:

Araki-Regan & Associates, 1823 Wells St, Suite 2A, Wailuku
Kahului Hongwanji Mission, 291 S. Puunene Ave. Kahului
Omochaya in Pukalani Terrace Center.  Omochaya requests that donors call 572-9833 beforehand.
For more information, call 280-1299 on Maui or 292-1262 on Oahu, or visit www.alohainitiative.com.