LIHUE — Kumu’s Cupboard, a free resource center for educators, is closed for June because of summer vacation.
However, there is a matching challenge where people are able to help Kumu’s Cupboard with an impact through the end of June.
“We are closed in June, but will reopen on July 7,” said Elyse Litvack, a co-founder of Kumu’s Cupboard. “Kumu’s Cupboard currently has a matching challenge from the Stanny Foundation in Princeville which will run through the end of June. Funds from this will help us stock the store for the back-to-school season.”
Contributions will be matched to a ceiling of $2,500 and can be done through the Kumu’s Cupboard website at kumuscupboard.org, or by mailing a check made out to Kumu’s Cupboard and sent to Kumu’s Cupboard, P.O. Box 3650, Lihue, HI 96766.
“As we reopen for the new school year, we are hoping to increase the breadth of materials offered,” Litvack said. “We are also wanting to increase the amounts of each supply teachers are able to take with them.”
When Kumu’s Cupboard reopens, it will feature extended hours.
On July 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31, store hours will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On July 18 and 25, hours will be 1 to 7 p.m.
Kumu’s Cupboard is a free store for teachers in Kauai’s public, private and charter schools, offering free school supplies to teachers and other educational staff, located at Kuui Grove Center.
The store stocks school supplies, teacher supplies, incentives and books as well as materials for art, science and math.
“We have received monetary donations from the community as well as some local businesses and community organizations,” Litvack said. “We have also received some new supplies from stores. Community members have donated gently used supplies and books.”
Since opening four months ago, Litvack said they have serviced more than 200 teachers, counselors and educational assistants from grades K through 12.
“Educators from all parts of the island can shop at Kumu’s Cupboard once a month, and many have returned multiple times,” Litvack said. “Teachers have told us the supplies are very helpful, and knowing the community supports them and their students is wonderful.”
Info: 639-4675, kumuscupboard@gmail.com
