2 nonprofits providing services on Big Island awarded $15K each from Servco Foundation

Two nonprofit organizations focused on helping keiki throughout the islands that provide services and programs on the Big Island and Kauaʻi were recently awarded grants from the Servco Foundation as part of a total $60,000 from the 2024 Community Grant Program of the philanthropic arm of Servco Pacific.

Four nonprofits were awarded $15,000 each.

The grant recipients with Big Island and Kauaʻi ties are:

• Hoʻōla Nā Pua (New Life for Our Children): The organization is committed to preventng sex trafficking throughout the islands while providing care for girls who have been exploited. It has offices and provides services on the Big Island and Kauaʻi.
• Project Hawaiʻi: The agency provides holistic support to more than 1,600 homeless keiki throughout the state. It offers programs and services on the Big Island.

The other nonprofits awarded are:

• Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke: The organization provides vocational training and skill development through hands-on experiences for preschool to high school youth in Hāna, Maui.
• Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi: This organization gives back to the environment through mauka to makai conservation efforts and aims to protect Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems and cultural heritage.

The organizations were selected based on recommendations by Team Serve, a Servco employee-led committee that helps identify, support and coordinate various community service events.

Team Serve has coordinated more than 789 hours of community service as of this year to support various nonprofits that align with the pillar areas of sustainability, wellness, youth services and social mobility.

“We’re grateful to partner with the Servco Foundation every year to support local nonprofits doing incredible work in our communities,” said Servco Community Relations Manager Lauren Pelascini. “We’re thrilled to see these organizations continue to drive change and have a positive impact on Hawaiʻi’s environment, economy and community.”

The funds come at an especially crucial time for Project Hawaiʻi, which is serving a record-breaking 1,600 children this year on the Big Island, Maui and Oʻahu.

It needs help now more than ever on the Big Island to make the life-changing moments it provides homeless keiki happen because of unforseen circumstances leading to the nonprofit falling behind on assistance for hundreds of children this holiday season.

The nonprofit is asking the Big Island community to donate to its Christmas Wish Program, which is designed to bring the wonders and joy of the holiday spirit to the unsheltered children of the islands.

“I am truly saddened to have to ask for this much support so late in the season,” said Project Hawaiʻi co-founder Magin Patrick. “It is because of generous people like you, these children can experience the joy and wonder of the holidays. Your involvement means the world to us — you are truly their Secret Santa!”

Check out the ways to donate, get involved and learn more by visiting the Project Hawaiʻi Christmas Wish Program website.