LIHUE — Tessa Belardo of the Department of Education could not help herself on Wednesday when she saw the 26 big bags of household items that were laid out on the tables.
“She knows a lot of the people who are going to get these bags,” said HiDOE Parent Community Network Coordinator Nely Caberto. “These people can really use the items in the bags, and Tessa works with them in the field.”
The Garden Island Federal Credit Union team of Shane Corregedore, Mryvie Buster and Shea Stisher labored to get the 26 bags containing items like a 5-pound bag of rice, soap and shampoo, household items, oral hygiene items and more in a GIFC cooler bag to the second floor of the state building where HiDOE helpers could distribute them to the different schools.
Buster said this is an extension of the Back to School Bash because she got to know Caberto after working with her during the campaign of getting school supplies to island students ahead of school starting.
Following the start of school, Buster said, “What about halfway — or, the second semester — when the supplies run out?”
In answer, the Parent Community Network Centers (PCNCs) were provided gift cards to help replenish the needs of students. This was not satisfactory for Buster, who wanted to provide more personal items that meant more than gift cards.
Caberto said whenever there are extra funds available, the first thing PCNCs do is spend the money on slippers because you can’t let the kids run around with nothing on their feet.
The conversation evolved into the Garden Island Federal Credit Union coming up with the gift bags that contain items that would be useful for the families in need.
“Garden Island Federal Credit Union believes in PCNC’s efforts and commitment with their partnership to organizations in supporting the families and the kids at school, and we are greatly appreciative of our continued partnership since 2021,” said the GIFCU. “Our commitment remains steadfast, and we look forward to working closely with PCNC to achieve our shared objectives.
Buster said Garden Island Federal Credit Union wants to continue this new tradition because of the reaction from Caberto and her crew of PCNCs.
