Patch: Maui Wildfire Donation Recipient
In March 2023 PATCH was the recipient of an HTMC Maui Wildfire Relief donation. PATCH is a statewide nonprofit that has contracts with the state and provides support for Hawaii’s child care providers. Our donation will go directly to Lahaina’s providers.
In recent years, child care providers on Maui have faced numerous challenges in meeting the growing demand for quality early childhood education while ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for children. Recognizing these challenges, PATCH is proud to have supported Maui’s child care providers through the pandemic and the devastating Maui wildfires. Below highlights how PATCH with HTMC’s funding has directly benefited child care providers.
Our funding has enabled Lahaina child care providers to invest in desks, chairs, tables, educational materials and playground equipment such as swings, slides, climbing frames, and play structures. These additions not only promote physical development but also foster social interaction, creativity, and imagination among children. Moreover, by ensuring the safety and quality of outdoor play areas, our funding has contributed to the overall well-being of Maui’s children.
As the need for child care services on Maui grows, many providers have encountered expansion limitations. Our funding has tackled this challenge by supplying materials essential for expanding and renovating classrooms. By investing in classroom expansion, our funding has empowered child care providers to meet the demands of their communities and foster the growth and development of Maui’s children.
As displaced (from the fires) child care centers in Lahaina focus on rebuilding. Funding has been allocated to cover storage fees for any equipment that has been repurchased or donated for the rebuilding of the classrooms. I’m delighted to announce that one of the schools is set to reopen in mid-May pending licensing. What makes this initiative truly remarkable is the collaborative partnership at play. The Department of Education has provided classroom spaces to accommodate the Executive Office of Early Learning (EoEL) public PK, Maui Family Support Early Head Start, and Kama’aina Kids Infant and Toddler Center. Thanks to the generosity of donors like the Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club, we’ve been able to support this project by purchasing temporary fencing, outdoor play equipment, washers and dryers for cleaning soiled blankets and bedding of enrolled infants and toddlers, as well as providing tuition subsidies. All families enrolled in Early Head Start and Kama’aina Kids are from Lahaina and have been affected by the fires in some way, underscoring the importance of this effort for the community. PATCH is extremely grateful for the funding provided by Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club has played a crucial role in supporting child care providers in Maui.
It was the cabinet below that was purchased to organize her paperwork for her business.
