12/8/23 - Maui Humane Society - Puunene, HI
Kokku ran a separate campaign for any displaced or injured pets during the Maui Fires.
Maui Humane Society was given funds in the amount of $250 to help with that.
Hopefully this helps with any of our canine and feline friends in need.
Maui Humane Society was given funds in the amount of $250 to help with that.
Hopefully this helps with any of our canine and feline friends in need.
12/4/23 - Fangafitu Taukeiaho - Lahaina, HI
"I can say that were blessed to be still here. The day of the fire has passed but the memory will last forever. Nothing was more important to me then my 3 beautiful girls My husband wasn't home, but have that feeling that I need to get out right away saved our lives. Our home destroyed, love one has been taken from us. But the love of this island, the community, families and friends gives us hope to keep going. Thank you Kokku for the love and support.
Maloo aupito Taukeiaho Ohana"K
Fitu was presented with a check from Kokku for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Birlinda Akinaka.
Your Kokku Community members are with you, Fitu!
Maloo aupito Taukeiaho Ohana"K
Fitu was presented with a check from Kokku for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Birlinda Akinaka.
Your Kokku Community members are with you, Fitu!
12/1/23 - Mimi Czerlanis - Las Vegas, NV
"My life is a series of unfortunate events. We’ve lived in our apartment complex since 2018 and in that time we’ve complained to them numerous times about the leaky roof. They continually promised to repair it and never did. In September of this year (2023) there was a huge tropical storm in CA, and we received a lot of rain in NV. We ended up with paint bubbling off the ceiling and mushrooms sprouting from it.
They’ve cost us money in lost items due to flooding, and on top of that, my car has had multiple repairs which were dire because I need my car for my Uber delivery job. It’s been several years of one hurdle after another that has brought us to this point. If it weren’t for Kokku we would be unable to pay rent this month. I cannot express how much this means to us. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough."K
Mimi was presented with a check from Kokku to help pay her current and back rent through the Holidays.
Your Kokku Community members are with you, Mimi!
They’ve cost us money in lost items due to flooding, and on top of that, my car has had multiple repairs which were dire because I need my car for my Uber delivery job. It’s been several years of one hurdle after another that has brought us to this point. If it weren’t for Kokku we would be unable to pay rent this month. I cannot express how much this means to us. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough."K
Mimi was presented with a check from Kokku to help pay her current and back rent through the Holidays.
Your Kokku Community members are with you, Mimi!
11/27/23 - Lupe Leha - Lahaina, HI
"Thinking back to the day of the fire. We woke up with no power due to hurricane Dora knocking the power lines out. Got ready for work like a normal day thinking everything's going to be okay. So I went to work by 8:30am. Got there to whalers and there was no power as well. The whole mall was just waiting on the power to come back because it usually does. Around 9am I seen that there was a fire up on Lahainaluna. So I called my DM to let her know that I need to go home and pack up a bag for my kids. She had told me okay go home and pack up a bag and come back to work to see how everything goes. With the winds being at 40 to 50 mph I was so scared. I went home to pack up around 10:30am I seen on the news that the fire was 100% contained. That gave me relief so I went back to work. Did shipment and all of that. The mall finally told everyone to leave because the winds got more crazy and was break the tree branches. I left work at around 1:30pm. As I was driving back home I had to take the front street road due to the street power lines breaking and being in the road. When I was driving through front street some of the shops roofs were flying off and thing were breaking. I got home at about 2:45pm safely before they closed down front street. I got home to my girls and my parents my husband was in Oahu for work. The winds were blowing so crazy already. So l got in the house made a little safe place with r v Is so they can hide. As we were getting comfortable we hear someone pounding on the door. It was our neighbor Moana & moli telling us pack up and get the kids out of there because there's a fire on Lower lahainaluna road. As I was packing up all you hear is explosions. I packed up our food and drinks. Then got my girls and went into the car. My dad didn't want to leave thinking it's gonna be like the other fires when they contain it. So we waited on him, just kept honking the horn. He ended up coming with us. My mom had already left with my aunty at that time. So we left Lahaina leaving our home and our 2 vehicles. Everywhere we went the car felt like it was gonna lift up and fly away. So we gave up on moving around to find a safe spot and went to Kahului. We got to Kahului at around 10pm got in touch with the family and my mom and them. And we ended up going to a family friends house. With that being said this fire taught us to always be prepared and don't wait last minute. This was a big eye opener for my family and I. I'm glad that we made it out safely."
Lupe was presented with a check for $1500 from Kokku Ambassador Berlinda Akinaka.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Lupe!
Lupe was presented with a check for $1500 from Kokku Ambassador Berlinda Akinaka.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Lupe!
11/17/23 - Tuiasi & Laumanu Savou - Lahaina, HI
"Aloha, our names are Tuiasi and Laumanu Savou and we were renting a three bedroom home at 584 Kahena Street in Lahaina with our oldest daughter, her husband and their four kids.
The day of the fire we had left to our youngest daughters home in Honokowai as we seen a fire had started by the bypass and was close to our home. At about 12:30pm we received the all clear and returned back to our home with our four young grandchildren aged 10, 6, 4 and 3. By the time we reached home we could still smell smoke but thought it was remnants from the fire earlier that day. As we were cleaning all the dust that was blown in by the winds we noticed the smell of smoke got stronger. My oldest granddaughter stepped outside to look and came running back inside to tell us the fire had started again and it was black smoke everywhere. My husband and I packed gathered the kids into our SUV to leave again but were stuck in our driveway, we were gridlocked in. As we sat there waiting for an opening to pull out of our driveway, the smoke got thicker and it was getting harder to breathe. Our SUV does not have AC so we had no choice but to open the windows.
Both my husband and I called our oldest kids to let them know we were stuck and unable to leave (already thinking this way it for us and our grandchildren). As we waited, we were able to pull out of our driveway but only got two homes down when we were stuck again. We made the decision to leave the SUV and make a run for it with the grandbabies. We had their 4 wheel wagon in the back, so we packed the 3 younger babies while we my husband pulled the wagon and our oldest grand daughter pushed the wagon from behind, afraid that the kids would get blown away by the strong winds.
As we cut through peoples yards the fire would burn down the homes we had just past. Made our way to the stream by Kahoma to a locked gate. Our thought was to go up to the Lahaina Bypass. Three tongan men noticed us stuck at the locked gate and one of them ran down with a sawzaw to cut the lock. We made the climb up to the bypass and waited there for our son inlaw to arrive. If not for the geace of God and those three Tongan men to come to our aid, our story probably wouldnever be told amd remain a mystery.
Although we are still struggling to find permanent lodging, we are so thankful to have be given the gift of life. We lost everything in this fire, but the most important things made it out safely, and we will always be thankful for that! Mahalo and God Bless!"
Tuiasi & Laumanu were presented with a check for $1500 from Kokku Ambassador Berlinda Akinaka.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tuiasi & Laumanu!
The day of the fire we had left to our youngest daughters home in Honokowai as we seen a fire had started by the bypass and was close to our home. At about 12:30pm we received the all clear and returned back to our home with our four young grandchildren aged 10, 6, 4 and 3. By the time we reached home we could still smell smoke but thought it was remnants from the fire earlier that day. As we were cleaning all the dust that was blown in by the winds we noticed the smell of smoke got stronger. My oldest granddaughter stepped outside to look and came running back inside to tell us the fire had started again and it was black smoke everywhere. My husband and I packed gathered the kids into our SUV to leave again but were stuck in our driveway, we were gridlocked in. As we sat there waiting for an opening to pull out of our driveway, the smoke got thicker and it was getting harder to breathe. Our SUV does not have AC so we had no choice but to open the windows.
Both my husband and I called our oldest kids to let them know we were stuck and unable to leave (already thinking this way it for us and our grandchildren). As we waited, we were able to pull out of our driveway but only got two homes down when we were stuck again. We made the decision to leave the SUV and make a run for it with the grandbabies. We had their 4 wheel wagon in the back, so we packed the 3 younger babies while we my husband pulled the wagon and our oldest grand daughter pushed the wagon from behind, afraid that the kids would get blown away by the strong winds.
As we cut through peoples yards the fire would burn down the homes we had just past. Made our way to the stream by Kahoma to a locked gate. Our thought was to go up to the Lahaina Bypass. Three tongan men noticed us stuck at the locked gate and one of them ran down with a sawzaw to cut the lock. We made the climb up to the bypass and waited there for our son inlaw to arrive. If not for the geace of God and those three Tongan men to come to our aid, our story probably wouldnever be told amd remain a mystery.
Although we are still struggling to find permanent lodging, we are so thankful to have be given the gift of life. We lost everything in this fire, but the most important things made it out safely, and we will always be thankful for that! Mahalo and God Bless!"
Tuiasi & Laumanu were presented with a check for $1500 from Kokku Ambassador Berlinda Akinaka.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tuiasi & Laumanu!
11/04/23 - Pastele House - Kahului / Lahaina, HI
The folks at the Pastele House food truck were doing amazing things for our community. They have been providing free meals to the Maui fire victims. When Kokku was made aware of their generosity, we wanted to help perpetuate that hard work by presenting them with a check for $500 to help continue their efforts to the fire victims. Mahalo for all that you are doing, Pastele House!
They were presented with a check for $500 from Kokku.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you!
They were presented with a check for $500 from Kokku.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you!
10/31/23 - Chad & Marie Sambrano - Lahaina, HI
Currently living in Kihei after losing their Lahaina home. Chad is fire fighter on west side.
Thank you - they are so grateful!
Dan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Chad & Marie!
Thank you - they are so grateful!
Dan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Chad & Marie!
10/10/23 - Dan Reardon - Lahaina, HI
"Aloha! My name is Daniel Reardon, I am a grandfather of 4 beautiful babies. On August 8th 2023, I had tried to get to my children’s home that they were evacuating from to help them. Soon after I realized my own home and business was also on fire. After dealing with a fire in 2019, and losing half of my business I would have never expected something like this to happen. In such a tragic time, I am so very grateful for the outpouring of help. People like the KOKKU fund giving so generously in such a tragic time really helps me keep a positive outlook."
Dan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Judy LeLevier.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Dan!
Dan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Judy LeLevier.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Dan!
10/8/23 - Ryab Staub - Lahaina, HI
Ryan Staub of Moana Glass got hit hard all of his crew survived but the gallery on front street, the glass shop and all their homes were destroyed.
Ryan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Ryan!
Ryan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Ryan!
10/7/23 - Shane Smith - Lahaina, HI
"Me and my girlfriend Lucy along with our two kids Riley and Olivia lost our home due to the fires in Lahaina. We were coming home from the store that day when we noticed smoke coming from the park above our house, we acted quickly and were fortunate to be able to help our 87-year-old neighbor evacuate with us to a family member's house in Makawao. We are displaced in a hotel now but hoping for something long term. We are so overwhelmed by love and support of the community and are so thankful for Kokku"
Shane and Lucy were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Judy LeLevier.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Shane and Lucy!
Shane and Lucy were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Judy LeLevier.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Shane and Lucy!
10/4/23 - Danielle Singler - Lahaina, HI
“I love Maui, I love Lahaina, and I love this community of kind individuals. Since fleeing the fire, losing my home and belongings, and being displaced…it has been an extremely challenging and overwhelming time period. Taking it day by day is key, and focusing on gratitude is how I am trying to move forward. We all have lost so much but I am immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Thank you to the Kokku Community from the bottom of my heart!”
Danielle was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Richard Ruggaber.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Danielle!
Danielle was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Richard Ruggaber.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Danielle!
10/1/23 - Donna Blanco - Lahaina, HI
As the hurricane winds roared and the large trees thrashed over our house by Front Street, we fled to seek shelter at the Pioneer Inn. Then the fires approached there, and we moved over to the courthouse and watched as the fires took over everything. We rallied all the neighbors and evacuated Lahaina together in my truck. Since then, I have been displaced and still looking for my cats. Mahalo Kokku, for your support - I am so incredibly grateful!!
Donna was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Donna!
Donna was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Donna!
9/30/23 - Tawni Katayama - Lahaina, HI
Tawni lost her home in the fire. She is here with one of her young children.
She was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Rose Holland.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tawni!
She was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Rose Holland.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tawni!
9/21/23 - Don and Mika McCann - Kula, HI
Don & Mika McCann are longtime residents of Kula. Their home on Kulalani was destroyed in the Kula fire along with their belongings. Mika’s collection of her original fiber art was all lost as well. Among the ashes recently, they both found their wedding rings. A glimmer of hope for the McCAnn’s as they prepare for new beginnings.
Don and Mika were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Don and Mika!
Don and Mika were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Don and Mika!
9/20/23 - Amanda Hardwick - Kula, HI
Aloha! My name is Amanda Hardwick. I live in Maui with my husband and 3 children- Noëlle (who just turned 3), Liberty (1.5 years old), and Amaya (our newborn). We had just moved from Kihei in to a beautiful home in Kula on August 01. We were happily unpacking and making it our new space to grow. On August 08, we were evacuated from our home with only the clothes on our backs and a few things we had in a diaper bag. My family of 5, plus my father, mother, and mother-in-law who were visiting all crammed into our Wrangler and got out to safety. When my husband and father returned to the house a few hours later, it was only smoldering rubble. We are certain that it caught fire very soon after we vacated it and are all thankful that we made it out with our lives. We know that with time we will rebuild and reestablish our lives in a new home. We are so thankful for the love and support from the Kokku ‘Ohana that will help make that possible for us!
Amanda was remotely presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassadors Jiji Sanchez and Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Amanda!
Amanda was remotely presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassadors Jiji Sanchez and Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Amanda!
9/19/23 - Christian "Jaya" Reed Altman and Renee Rabeena-Reed Altman - Kula, HI
We were caretakers at a beautiful estate located in Kula.
I was managing the music studios that were on property, and my wife is a hairstylist.
We lost our home that we had taken care of and all of our belongings
We are grateful to be alive!
Christian and Renee were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Christian and Renee!
I was managing the music studios that were on property, and my wife is a hairstylist.
We lost our home that we had taken care of and all of our belongings
We are grateful to be alive!
Christian and Renee were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
Your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Christian and Renee!
9/18/23 - Bobbie Jo Comesflying - Las Vegas, NV
Bobbie Jo Comesflying and her three children might not have had much luck but for bad luck these past couple of years but that's about to change. With the help of a local church, friends and an opportunity for employment she is able to move out of homelessness and into a situation with another family to find a safe place to live and thrive again. The last few years have been a rough season of changes, health issues, and a stretch on how to move forward and keep the kids safe and growing. With so many challenges on a daily basis and turns that led to additional juggling of new issues, none of the turns in their lives had delivered on the promise of progress. But a soon to be Nebraska move with the hope of housing, employment and the support of friends and family should put them all in a better place. The funds from Kokku will be used to assist in the set up that will be a new chapter in the lives of these beautiful souls.
Bobbie Jo was presented with a check for $600 by Kokku Ambassador Christine Robinson.
Your Kokku Community members are with you, Bobbie Jo!
Bobbie Jo was presented with a check for $600 by Kokku Ambassador Christine Robinson.
Your Kokku Community members are with you, Bobbie Jo!
9/16/23 - Cassie Richter - Lahaina, HI
Although Cassie's home is still in tact, it has been condemned due to smoke from the fires. She and her 3 kids had to relocate to a cottage in Kula. The kids are going to school all over. Her home in Lahaina is unlivable and inaccessible for an unknown amount of time. She was staying in a condo for a few weeks and is now residing upcountry for the next 6 months. She was having a hard time getting any kind of assistance financially due to the home still standing. She currently am unemployed and still trying to "settle" and figure out her next steps. Cassie is a single mom of three.
Cassie was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Laurie Loney.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Cassie!
Cassie was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Laurie Loney.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Cassie!
9/14/23 - Jose & Angie Miranda - Lahaina, HI
Jose and his wife Angie were displaced from Lahaina Fire. They lost both their home and their jobs. Gina and Josh from That's A Wrap Cafe in Kihei notified us since they are currently providing free meals to the fire victims. Gina reached out to Kokku, and we made arrangements for them to receive funds. They were residents in Lahaina for more than 25 years and have always been hardworking people. The funds should help them navigate through their temporary housing to a more permanent place.
Jose and Angie presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Gina Dello.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jose and Angie!
Jose and Angie presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Gina Dello.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jose and Angie!
9/13/23 - Julian Delgado - Lahaina, HI
"My wife and I were affected by the fires that devastated the island of Maui. Not knowing what was next after we lost everything, we have been so blessed by the community around us. Because of the strong support system we have, we now feel encouraged to continue our lives here and are super thankful for every organization that has contributed to the families/ohanas on this precious island"
Julian was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Richard Ruggaber.
In addition, since Julian is a pickleball player in Maui and lost his gear, Maui Tennis & Pickleball Association purchased some new gear for Julian so that he can keep on playing.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you and your family, Julian!
Julian was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Richard Ruggaber.
In addition, since Julian is a pickleball player in Maui and lost his gear, Maui Tennis & Pickleball Association purchased some new gear for Julian so that he can keep on playing.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you and your family, Julian!
9/8/23 - Ana Talaroc-Kaniho - Lahaina, HI
"Aloha,
My fiancé and I lost our first home together during the fires that happened on Aug 8th, 2023. During the chaos of the fire, I (Ana) was separated from not only just my fiancé but from my immediate family and went through a ROUGH 24hr period of not knowing if they were okay, if they were lost/involved in the fire, or if they were even all together. My fiancé and I lost our home and everything we’ve worked hard for, along w personal keepsake items of our loved ones. Along with finding out that we had lost our place, my mom and step dad had also lost their home and everything they’ve owned/meaningful keepsakes of loved ones as well. We’re grateful that we’re all accounted for but hurt with our community as well. We can’t mahalo everyone involved in helping myself, my family, and the Lahaina community. Mahalo"
Ana was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Ana!
My fiancé and I lost our first home together during the fires that happened on Aug 8th, 2023. During the chaos of the fire, I (Ana) was separated from not only just my fiancé but from my immediate family and went through a ROUGH 24hr period of not knowing if they were okay, if they were lost/involved in the fire, or if they were even all together. My fiancé and I lost our home and everything we’ve worked hard for, along w personal keepsake items of our loved ones. Along with finding out that we had lost our place, my mom and step dad had also lost their home and everything they’ve owned/meaningful keepsakes of loved ones as well. We’re grateful that we’re all accounted for but hurt with our community as well. We can’t mahalo everyone involved in helping myself, my family, and the Lahaina community. Mahalo"
Ana was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Ana!
9/7/23 - Jim Campbell - Kula, HI
Jim Campbell lives along the Kulalani gulch and his home was destroyed in fire.
Jim was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jim!
Jim was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jim!
9/6/23 - Mark Ross - Kula, HI
Mark Ross owned a home in Kula, right on the gulch where the fire started. Only the chimney and fireplace remain.
Mark was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Mark!
Mark was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Mark!
9/5/23 - Harrison Reardon - Lahaina, HI
"At around 3:45 I was spraying water on my roof because of the wind and heat. Then the smoke and flames became unbearable. So I loaded my kids and dog in the car and evacuated to the park in Lahaina where we watched our home and all our belongings burn and the whole town. We went back to the home to see if anything might have survived but it was all gone"
Harrison was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you and your family, Harrison!
Harrison was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you and your family, Harrison!
9/4/23 - Lehua Kanemitsu - Lahaina, HI
Lehua's family lost their original family house, her grandfathers and great grandfathers store fronts in the fire.
She is a well-loved member of the pickleball community on Maui.
A note from Lehua:
"On August 8th, 2023 My 3 siblings and their families lost their homes and survived the Lahaina Fire. They are now displaced all over the island. Mahalo to Kokku for their generosity and Kokua to help my 'Ohana with their needs to get through these times of devastation and tragedy. The journey is long on the road of recovery. We are grateful for Kind People like you all. "
Lehua was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Richard Ruggaber.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you and your family, Lehua!
She is a well-loved member of the pickleball community on Maui.
A note from Lehua:
"On August 8th, 2023 My 3 siblings and their families lost their homes and survived the Lahaina Fire. They are now displaced all over the island. Mahalo to Kokku for their generosity and Kokua to help my 'Ohana with their needs to get through these times of devastation and tragedy. The journey is long on the road of recovery. We are grateful for Kind People like you all. "
Lehua was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Richard Ruggaber.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you and your family, Lehua!
9/3/23 - Jan Kitaguchi - Lahaina, HI
"I was born and raised in Lahaina. I went to Kam III (K-8) and Lahainaluna High School. I have 3 children (Kristopher in Washington, Kasen and Kellene at home), and many hanai and foster kids. I have been a Kumu Hula for over 30 years and have taught so many children over the years. I worked at Pan Am and United airlines (traveled all over Europe, South America, Asia and South Pacific) and also worked as a substitute teacher at Kam III and Princess Elementary schools. I got my college degree in social sciences in 2015. My property off of front street was burned down, and I am going to rebuild. Mahalo Nui!”
Jan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jan!
Jan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jan!
9/3/23 - Aviva Libitsky - Lahaina, HI
"On Aug 8th my son and I lost our long time Lahaina home and all of our belongings due to the fire . My family also lost their home next door . I also lost my place of employment. With everything destroyed, it’s been hard to see light right now , but this help and every kind note , word , texts and the generosity of friends , & an aid organization like this , have been helping restore our faith and give us rays of light and hope . We will use these funds to regroup and rebuild our homes and our communities and hearts and souls together! Mahalo Nui !”
Aviva was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Aviva!
Aviva was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Aviva!
9/3/23 - Eva Maria Adam - Lahaina, HI
"Maui was home for me over 10 years. My two daughters was born and raised here.
It was place where they took first steps, first everything.
Finally we got our new place that we rented, where was our new home and then fire happened. We lost everything, all the kids memories and generational stuff that cannot be replaced.
It’s still feels like unreal.
But I am grateful that we are alive.
To loose everything is truly devastating.
As many others friends and people I will need to rebuild my life from the ground up.
Mahalo for all blessings and every help. "
Eva Maria was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Eva Maria!
It was place where they took first steps, first everything.
Finally we got our new place that we rented, where was our new home and then fire happened. We lost everything, all the kids memories and generational stuff that cannot be replaced.
It’s still feels like unreal.
But I am grateful that we are alive.
To loose everything is truly devastating.
As many others friends and people I will need to rebuild my life from the ground up.
Mahalo for all blessings and every help. "
Eva Maria was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Eva Maria!
9/2/23 - Roxana Grotz - Lahaina, HI
"ALOHA‼️
My name is Roxana Grotz, I am part of this community for the past 23 years . I came to this paradise with my heart full of HOPE in 2001 a 11 days BEFORE the horrendous terrorist attacks of the “TWEEN TOWERS”…..
FROM THAT DAY FORWARD I HAVE THIS STRONG FEELING OF ROOTING TO MY BELOVED HOME MAUI….
I had been thru so much
And this SAD NATURAL DISASTER WONT STOPED MY APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FOR MY PEOPLE AND MY ISLAND.
And my way to return SOOOO MUCH OF WHAT I HAD RECEIVED IS TO COOPERATED ACTIVELY WHITH THE RE-BORND OF LAHAINA HISTORIC DOWNTOWN….
The night of August 08th. of 2023 my perfect home was banish to just ashes.
A Paradox: Ku’uipo means my sweet heart and Lahaina means merciless sun!
And in about hours my heart melted in sorrows.
This wounds give me the STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO MOVE FORWARD AND TO DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO BRING MY OHANA BACK TO LIFE.
Roxana was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Roxana!
My name is Roxana Grotz, I am part of this community for the past 23 years . I came to this paradise with my heart full of HOPE in 2001 a 11 days BEFORE the horrendous terrorist attacks of the “TWEEN TOWERS”…..
FROM THAT DAY FORWARD I HAVE THIS STRONG FEELING OF ROOTING TO MY BELOVED HOME MAUI….
I had been thru so much
And this SAD NATURAL DISASTER WONT STOPED MY APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FOR MY PEOPLE AND MY ISLAND.
And my way to return SOOOO MUCH OF WHAT I HAD RECEIVED IS TO COOPERATED ACTIVELY WHITH THE RE-BORND OF LAHAINA HISTORIC DOWNTOWN….
The night of August 08th. of 2023 my perfect home was banish to just ashes.
A Paradox: Ku’uipo means my sweet heart and Lahaina means merciless sun!
And in about hours my heart melted in sorrows.
This wounds give me the STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO MOVE FORWARD AND TO DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO BRING MY OHANA BACK TO LIFE.
Roxana was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Roxana!
9/2/23 - Juan Tomas Maldonado - Lahaina, HI
"Aloha my name is juan tomas maldonado, I moved to Maui back in 2000. I started working on cars doing mobile service for a few years until I opened my shop in Lahaina. (Juan’s auto repair) your later I open west side laundry and become very involved in our beautiful community
On August 8 we were working with no power and strong winds all day until around 4pm that wi notice the fire behind our property so we gather some things and drove home to kahoma village in Lahaina.
20 minutes after we got home the hot wind and blinding smoke make us live our home and take shelter on waikuli next to the police and fire station
At 10pm we left because again the heat and smoke was again to much!
We spent the night at north until the sky got clear and drove back to Lahaina finding nothing but ashes.
I am very grateful for everything and everyone helping our community to heal and understand what happened here. We lost our house and business but we didn’t lose our home! Lahaina is our home! Our community is our home and ohana ❤️
We will stay and rebuild Lahaina, support our ohana and become stronger us a community!
Thank k\Kokku letting us express our story”
Juan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Juan!
On August 8 we were working with no power and strong winds all day until around 4pm that wi notice the fire behind our property so we gather some things and drove home to kahoma village in Lahaina.
20 minutes after we got home the hot wind and blinding smoke make us live our home and take shelter on waikuli next to the police and fire station
At 10pm we left because again the heat and smoke was again to much!
We spent the night at north until the sky got clear and drove back to Lahaina finding nothing but ashes.
I am very grateful for everything and everyone helping our community to heal and understand what happened here. We lost our house and business but we didn’t lose our home! Lahaina is our home! Our community is our home and ohana ❤️
We will stay and rebuild Lahaina, support our ohana and become stronger us a community!
Thank k\Kokku letting us express our story”
Juan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Juan!
9/2/23 - Wanda Kitaguchi - Lahaina, HI
"I am 92.5 years old!! My husband, James Kitaguchi, was a young man and drafted into the US Army in the 1950s. He was sent to the Korean War and was brought to Osaka Hospital for recovery. Then he and I met at Camp Matsushima in Japan where I was working as a Postal Exchange (PX) sales clerk, and then a year later we married! On August 15, 1953, we moved to Lahaina when I was 21 years old with our 7 month old son. We went on to have 4 children. My husband worked at the Pineapple Company and then after it merged, he changed jobs to the Sheraton Hotel until he retired. In 1968, I worked as a waitress at the Pioneer Inn and went on to work at many different restaurants and hotels in Lahaina. I have been part of Toho No Hikari Hawaii. I have been living on Wahikuli since 1957, and we renovated in 2006 - this was the house that just burned down with the fires. I lost my house and my son - I am devastated but there's nothing I can do. Thank you for supporting us after this Maui disaster fire. I am so grateful you folks are helping me. I will start all over again for my future! So thank you very much, and may God bless you folks.”
Wanda was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Wanda!
Wanda was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Amy Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Wanda!
9/1/23 - Craig and Sara Damon - Kula, HI
Craig & Sara lived in the gulch (their home is literally built on the side of a cliff) where the Kula fire started. Craig was able to make it back to the home in time to free his pets while firefighters were fighting the fires around his home. Miraculously their home survived but suffered extensive smoke damage. They are hopeful to return soon but have had to seek alternative accommodations in the meantime.
Jesse & Akane were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Craig & Sara!
Jesse & Akane were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Craig & Sara!
9/1/23 - Jesse and Akane Joseph - Kula, HI
Jesse, Akane & Indigo (2 y/o) lost their home on Kulalani drive. Jesse is a school counselor at Kalama intermediate. The Joseph family just secured long term housing in the Piiholo area today which is a huge relief. They’ve been in four temporary housing situations since August 8th.
Jesse & Akane were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jesse & Akane!
Jesse & Akane were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jesse & Akane!
9/1/23 - Tanner and Koa Bonnell - Lahaina, HI
Tanner and Koa each grew up in Wailuku and both graduated from Baldwin High School. After moving away for a few years, they came back to Maui. Koa became a firefighter, and Tanner a hairstylist. After Koa was stationed in Lahaina, they decided to move out to the west side and buy a home. They lived there for three years with their three dogs and two cats. The day of the fire, Tanner was working in Wailuku and Koa was in Lahaina. They lost their home and their animals.
Tanner and Koa were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Carol Wallack.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tanner and Koa!
Tanner and Koa were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Carol Wallack.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tanner and Koa!
8/30/23 - Jojo & Eliza Vasquez - Lahaina, HI
Jojo and Eliza lost their home and all their belongings in the Lahaina fire.
They tied the knot on Maui in 2004 and officially moved to the island in 2005 as Jojo’s career as a chef was blossoming. They’ve since built a beautiful life with their two amazing kids Josie (18) and Jonas (15). Together they have been a force in the community, bringing joy to others with their service, kind gestures, and talents. They always make others feel loved, taken care of, and well-fed. In 2019 they made their dream a reality to open their own restaurant, Fond in Napili. They managed to survive and face the tough challenges in the COVID pandemic. Through all that they still continued to support local families and fellow restaurant owners.
They give so much of themselves to their community, those they consider family, and now it’s our turn to show them our love and support. The community they’ve called home for the past 18 years is forever changed, but let's come together to help them rebuild, so they can once again feel a sense of renewed hope, peace, and normalcy.
Jojo & Eliza were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jojo & Eliza!
They tied the knot on Maui in 2004 and officially moved to the island in 2005 as Jojo’s career as a chef was blossoming. They’ve since built a beautiful life with their two amazing kids Josie (18) and Jonas (15). Together they have been a force in the community, bringing joy to others with their service, kind gestures, and talents. They always make others feel loved, taken care of, and well-fed. In 2019 they made their dream a reality to open their own restaurant, Fond in Napili. They managed to survive and face the tough challenges in the COVID pandemic. Through all that they still continued to support local families and fellow restaurant owners.
They give so much of themselves to their community, those they consider family, and now it’s our turn to show them our love and support. The community they’ve called home for the past 18 years is forever changed, but let's come together to help them rebuild, so they can once again feel a sense of renewed hope, peace, and normalcy.
Jojo & Eliza were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jojo & Eliza!
8/30/23 - Kyle Abilay - Lahaina, HI
Kyle and his Dad lost their home and all of its contents to a wildfire in Lahaina. They are fortunate to be staying with relatives at this time. And hope to rent a condo or apt., until they can one day rebuild their home.
Kyle was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Kyle!
Kyle was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Kyle!
8/30/23 - Randall Cabanilla - Lahaina, HI
“Aloha, born n raise westside, Lahaina. Almost never make um out. Had to leave my wife’s van and had my family jump in with me n we made it all out alive safely thank God.”
Randall was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Randall!
Randall was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Randall!
8/29/23 - That's A Wrap Cafe - Kihei, HI
Gina Dello-McElmury and Josh McElmury are the owners of That's A Wrap Cafe in Kihei, Maui.
They have put together a special program at their cafe where they are providing free meals to the Maui fire victims.
As soon as Kokku found out about this, we had to help support them. They make some of the most beautiful food on the island.
Made with Love with the best ingredients. As soon as you step through their doors, you can feel the Love!
If you are ever in the area, stop by and say hello, and experience their wonderful place for yourself. And if you are one of the Maui Fire Victims, please visit them and allow their culinary Love to embrace you as a reminder of the support from all of your Maui Ohana, and enjoy a free meal while their program is still running.
They are located at 2395 S Kihei Rd #118, Kihei, HI 96753, in the Dolphin Plaza. (808) 868-4582.
They were presented with a check for $500 by Kokku Ambassador Richard Ruggaber to help continue their wonderful work for the fire victims.
In this particular case, the funds were provided from the Kokku general fund, and not the Maui fire victim campaign funds, as those are specifically for the fire victims.
Muchos, Muchos Mahalos for the hard work the both of you are doing for our Maui Ohana in need right now, Gina and Josh!
They have put together a special program at their cafe where they are providing free meals to the Maui fire victims.
As soon as Kokku found out about this, we had to help support them. They make some of the most beautiful food on the island.
Made with Love with the best ingredients. As soon as you step through their doors, you can feel the Love!
If you are ever in the area, stop by and say hello, and experience their wonderful place for yourself. And if you are one of the Maui Fire Victims, please visit them and allow their culinary Love to embrace you as a reminder of the support from all of your Maui Ohana, and enjoy a free meal while their program is still running.
They are located at 2395 S Kihei Rd #118, Kihei, HI 96753, in the Dolphin Plaza. (808) 868-4582.
They were presented with a check for $500 by Kokku Ambassador Richard Ruggaber to help continue their wonderful work for the fire victims.
In this particular case, the funds were provided from the Kokku general fund, and not the Maui fire victim campaign funds, as those are specifically for the fire victims.
Muchos, Muchos Mahalos for the hard work the both of you are doing for our Maui Ohana in need right now, Gina and Josh!
8/28/23 - Tia Keanini - Lahaina, HI
Tea and her husband are a family of 5. They lost their Lahaina rental home & everything in it. They could use a jump-start as they’re searching for a new home.
They have been temporarily placed at that new Hilton Time Share in N Kihei. They’ll be looking for a long term rental soon.
They were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Rachel Christopher
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tia!
They have been temporarily placed at that new Hilton Time Share in N Kihei. They’ll be looking for a long term rental soon.
They were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Rachel Christopher
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tia!
8/25/23 - Juan Hernandez & Alicia Reitzel - Kula, HI
Juan Hernandez & Alicia Reitzel were renting a home on Kualono in Kula that was overtaken with smoke.
They were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Christopher Barca.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Juan & Alicia!
They were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Christopher Barca.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Juan & Alicia!
8/23/23 - Eric & Leilani Casco - Lahaina, HI
"Thank you so much for the support we lost everything that was in our home including our IDs to all our personal belongings."
Eric and Leilani were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Eric & Leilani!
Eric and Leilani were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Eric & Leilani!
8/22/23 - Aaron Panlasigui - Lahaina, HI
"My family lost our home along with all our cars and belongings. We were blocked in our neighborhood to the only exit road had downed trees blocking one way out and the other blocked by burning homes and black smoke, embers, unable to breathe and see anything. As we ran through our neighbor's houses to try and escape my whold family (Mom, Dad, Brother, Brother's two kids and girlfriend and my girlfriend) barely made it out"
Aaron was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Aaron!
Aaron was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Aaron!
8/20/23 - Keoni Welson - Lahaina, HI
"Keoni Welson has lived in Lahaina since 2019 with his wife Cassandra and daughter Laica. His family was displaced by the fires and found refuge at the shelters that were set up at War Memorial Gym in Wailuku.
The gymnasium itself was overflowing with other displaced families, so Keoni and his family found shelter under some trees on the war Memorial campus. Tents were eventually provided to all that had found shelter outdoors. The families around Keoni and his family formed an inseparable bond. The bonds that he shared with his newly found Ohana held him there for their support.
A week later, they were all relocated temporarily to Airbnbs in the Wailuku area with help from MEO, The American Red Cross, and FEMA.
The generous gift from Kokku will help Keoni and his family to move forward with their recovery and to get their lives back on track."
Keoni was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Rachel Christopher.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Keoni!
The gymnasium itself was overflowing with other displaced families, so Keoni and his family found shelter under some trees on the war Memorial campus. Tents were eventually provided to all that had found shelter outdoors. The families around Keoni and his family formed an inseparable bond. The bonds that he shared with his newly found Ohana held him there for their support.
A week later, they were all relocated temporarily to Airbnbs in the Wailuku area with help from MEO, The American Red Cross, and FEMA.
The generous gift from Kokku will help Keoni and his family to move forward with their recovery and to get their lives back on track."
Keoni was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Rachel Christopher.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Keoni!
8/20/23 - Francesca Viray - Lahaina, HI
Francesca lost everything in the Lahaina fire.
The only thing she managed to save was her passport.
She is studying to be a counselor.
Francesca was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Jiji Sanchez.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Francesca!
The only thing she managed to save was her passport.
She is studying to be a counselor.
Francesca was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Jiji Sanchez.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Francesca!
8/19/23 - Hala MacKnight - Kula, HI
Hala Macknight is a maui police officer.
After being in lahaina for that fire he heard Kula was on fire and his home was under threat of fire.
Luckily it survived the evening fire and in the early am, he fought back fire using shovels while neighbors assisted with
buckets, pots and pans and waiter brought up on neighbors vehicles.
His cottage was destroyed but house remains. It is unclear when and if he can move back in.
Hala was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Hala!
After being in lahaina for that fire he heard Kula was on fire and his home was under threat of fire.
Luckily it survived the evening fire and in the early am, he fought back fire using shovels while neighbors assisted with
buckets, pots and pans and waiter brought up on neighbors vehicles.
His cottage was destroyed but house remains. It is unclear when and if he can move back in.
Hala was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Hala!
8/18/23 - Brynn Scott - Kula, HI
Bryn scott lived on Kulalani circle for many years and lost his home in the fires.
He is pictured here with his 7th grade daughter.
Brynn was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Brynn!
He is pictured here with his 7th grade daughter.
Brynn was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Brynn!
8/18/23 - Susan Williamson - Kula, HI
Susan Williamson lost the home she lived in for 17 years. She also lost her 2 cats in the fire
Susan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Susan!
Susan was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Susan!
8/17/23 - Kawena Alo-Kaonohi- Lahaina, HI
"Aloha my name is Kawena Alo-Kaonohi, I’m born and raised in kahakuloa village. After college I met my wife Tavi viela and lived with her an her family for 7 years in Lahaina. Im a carpenter and I love what I do been doing not almost 8 years. Me an my wife currently just got our new born baby on august 1 2023. Tavi is born and raised in Lahaina with a big family behind her her dad side is viela that is mostly from wailuku area an her tihada family which is her mom side is all from Lahaina. Currently we living in wailuku with my sister till we can get back her home town Lahaina, we were displaced from lahaina and our homes because were affected by this wild fire tragedy. In her family we loaded about 6 homes her grandpa that was right next to house an her uncle and auntys. We are glad that we made it out safe an all her family is safe aloha"
Kawena was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Kawena!
Kawena was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Kawena!
8/17/23 - Lisa and Drew Isoda - Lahaina, HI
"Here is our story…..
We lost our home with all of our belongings. I was able to grab a few items of clothing and some documents. We have a temporary place to live, but have to rebuild from ground up. Mahalo for any help you can provide."
Lisa and Drew were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Lisa and Drew!
We lost our home with all of our belongings. I was able to grab a few items of clothing and some documents. We have a temporary place to live, but have to rebuild from ground up. Mahalo for any help you can provide."
Lisa and Drew were presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Lisa and Drew!
8/17/23 - Elizabeth LaVoie - Lahaina, HI
"We are a family of 4 that lost their forever home with all of our kids memories in the fire, a car and a mini bus. We were building a home for our parents for when they would not be able to live alone that is also gone I lost my massage studio so we don’t have work also! We are split from our pets now because we can’t bring them with us we don’t have AC on our mini van and no savings as we invest in our house for 8 years!"
Elizabeth was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Elizabeth!
Elizabeth was presented with a check for $1500 by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Elizabeth!
8/16/23 - Kasey Lopez - Lahaina, HI
"We are a born and raised on Maui family. My wife is from Lahaina who works as a nurse in Lahaina. Not only did they lose their home and all belongings, her father and sister and their family also lived in the home that they all grew up in and tragically lost in this wildfire. We have been so grateful and thankful to all the donations from the community, friends and family near and far. Mahalo Kokku for the generous donation that will help our families to rebuild."
Kasey, Carina, and Nixon
Kasey was presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Kasey!
Kasey, Carina, and Nixon
Kasey was presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Phil Hou.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Kasey!
8/14/23 - Lisa Poulsen - Lahaina, HI
"I have lived in the Westside of Maui for 25 years. We have been renting what I would call our dream home for the last 10. On Tues Aug 8 high winds had turned off our power and we decided to take our 2 kids to the other side of the island where it was less severe and go to s movie. We had no idea that would be the last time we would see our house or our pets. Our house and everything we own was destroyed by the fire
We are fortunate to be staying with friends in kihei but will need to rebuild our lives once the dust settles. We have been so blessed by the local community with donations of clothing. And now blessed with a generous donation from the Kokku fund!! We are so grateful for your generous contributions and are hoping we can now help this community rebuild!"
Lisa was presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Pam Cooke.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Lisa!
We are fortunate to be staying with friends in kihei but will need to rebuild our lives once the dust settles. We have been so blessed by the local community with donations of clothing. And now blessed with a generous donation from the Kokku fund!! We are so grateful for your generous contributions and are hoping we can now help this community rebuild!"
Lisa was presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Pam Cooke.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Lisa!
8/14/23 - Jean Okada Mueller - Lahaina, HI
"You can’t imagine how much I appreciate the kindness and thoughtfulness this gift from Kokku, Inc. means to me and my boys.
I almost lost more than my family home but also my Dad and my three sons that night. We were entrapped in my car on Front Street with my 80 year old dad and my youngest son as we watched cars burn up and explode all around. I did not know if my other two sons in my other car made it to safety. I thought it was over.
An angel watched over us that night. After 8 hours surrounded by flames and burnt up cars a clear wind blew the dense black smoke surrounding us just as a Fire Crew was searching rescued all of us.
Bless you all who gave to Kokku, Inc."
Jean Okada Mueller
Jean was presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Pam Cooke.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jean!
I almost lost more than my family home but also my Dad and my three sons that night. We were entrapped in my car on Front Street with my 80 year old dad and my youngest son as we watched cars burn up and explode all around. I did not know if my other two sons in my other car made it to safety. I thought it was over.
An angel watched over us that night. After 8 hours surrounded by flames and burnt up cars a clear wind blew the dense black smoke surrounding us just as a Fire Crew was searching rescued all of us.
Bless you all who gave to Kokku, Inc."
Jean Okada Mueller
Jean was presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Pam Cooke.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Jean!
8/13/23 - Gayle & Ross Hart - Kula, HI
Gayle & Ross Hart lost their home on Kulalani. Gayle retired from seabury hall on July 31st and her husband retired from national park service Gayle reports that it looks like her plan for retirement now entails rebuilding a home
The picture on the right is the remains of their lot after the fire.
Gayle & Ross were presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Gayle & Ross!
The picture on the right is the remains of their lot after the fire.
Gayle & Ross were presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Gayle & Ross!
8/12/23 - Andre & Sabrina Fehlmann - Kula, HI
Andre & Sabrina Fehlmann lost their home ot the top of Kulalani.
This picture is in a furnished home in Kula this morning for the next couple of months.
Andre & Sabrina were presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Andre & Sabrina!
This picture is in a furnished home in Kula this morning for the next couple of months.
Andre & Sabrina were presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Andre & Sabrina!
8/11/23 - Kyle Ellison - Kula, HI
Kyle Ellison was at ground zero of Kula fire.
The power line came down on the property he rents and he had to fight the fire with his landlord for hours before emergency personnel arrived.
Kyle was presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Kyle!
The power line came down on the property he rents and he had to fight the fire with his landlord for hours before emergency personnel arrived.
Kyle was presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Kyle!
8/11/23 - Tom & Lisa Liu - Kula, HI
Tom & Lisa lost everything in the Kula fire.
Tom is an avid tennis player.
They are standing by the one piece of art that he has left.
Tom and Lisa were presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tom and Lisa!
Tom is an avid tennis player.
They are standing by the one piece of art that he has left.
Tom and Lisa were presented with a check for $1500 and a $100 Costco Gift card by Kokku Ambassador Mino McLean.
All of your Maui Ohana and Kokku Community members are with you, Tom and Lisa!
1/13/23 - Brandi Wood, Los Angeles, CA
Hello,
My name is Brandi Wood. My Mom is always talking about this amazing organization she belongs to called Kokku and how they help people in need. I never thought I would be a person receiving funds from Kokku but, believe me when I say, I can't be more grateful for your help.
You see, I'm a delivery driver by trade and on 12/18/22 my transmission went completely out on my car. It was either fix it or lose my job and with the way jobs are scarce right now I was scared I wasn't going to have any income and how the heck I would fix my car with a small savings and no income. my mom helped with what she could but, with the funds from Kokku I was able to get my car fixed and repairs are completely paid for thanks to all of you who are a part of this great organization. I promise I will pay it forward somehow. Thank you again Kokku family! You are the best.
My name is Brandi Wood. My Mom is always talking about this amazing organization she belongs to called Kokku and how they help people in need. I never thought I would be a person receiving funds from Kokku but, believe me when I say, I can't be more grateful for your help.
You see, I'm a delivery driver by trade and on 12/18/22 my transmission went completely out on my car. It was either fix it or lose my job and with the way jobs are scarce right now I was scared I wasn't going to have any income and how the heck I would fix my car with a small savings and no income. my mom helped with what she could but, with the funds from Kokku I was able to get my car fixed and repairs are completely paid for thanks to all of you who are a part of this great organization. I promise I will pay it forward somehow. Thank you again Kokku family! You are the best.
9/13/22 - Lana Thompson, Tempe, AZ
Thank you to Kokku members for funds given to the Thompson family to aid with medical bills.
When we reached out to see who may be needing some help, Gaela Prince let us know about her sister Lana. She was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimers earlier this year and is no longer able to work. Over the past year, a multitude of doctor visits, tests and scans have created a financial burden after insurance coverage was no longer available through her employer. The family is extremely appreciative of the funds from Kokku that will help pay for some of these unexpected expenses. |
12/17/21 - Maria Guidice, Las Vegas, NV
On Thanksgiving night, Maria Guidice decided to take her friend out for a meal as a nice gesture. When they returned home, she found something quite devastating - everything in her apartment was gone. Maria's apartment had been broken into and all of her personal property had been burglarized. Refrigerator and freezer had been totally cleared out of all the food she had in there. They even stole the pet food for her little dog. Maria filed a police report, but for those of us that have experienced it, we all know how violated it feels to be a victim of theft and burglary.
Through social media, we found out about Maria's situation, and one of our members reported it to us. Kokku immediately stepped in to try and help. Published author Vicki-Ann Bush lives in the area and served as a Kokku Ambassador to present the check. She worked with us very quickly to try to get Maria the funds before Christmas.
Mission accomplished. Maria was presented with the funds this week. This will hopefully help her road to recovery and to restore some peaceful energy to her home.
Maria was extremely grateful for the funds, and when she's back on her feet and financially balanced in the future, she stated that she would like to become a Kokku member herself one day.
Through social media, we found out about Maria's situation, and one of our members reported it to us. Kokku immediately stepped in to try and help. Published author Vicki-Ann Bush lives in the area and served as a Kokku Ambassador to present the check. She worked with us very quickly to try to get Maria the funds before Christmas.
Mission accomplished. Maria was presented with the funds this week. This will hopefully help her road to recovery and to restore some peaceful energy to her home.
Maria was extremely grateful for the funds, and when she's back on her feet and financially balanced in the future, she stated that she would like to become a Kokku member herself one day.
7/12/21 - Susan Edwards, Los Angeles, CA
Thanks to Kokku members for our recent donation of $600 to Dr. Susan Edwards of Los Angeles, California. Susan's story is published and available here: https://livinglight-now.com You might be amazed at how life can deliver so many curve balls to an educated, capable person.
Susan Edwards is an educated, previously successful (by all typical measurement) middle aged woman. Currently using disability benefits, Susan has found Los Angeles assistance with subsidized housing, medical care, and though she seeks employment it's difficult for an educated, unhealthy single woman to find sustaining employment.
Susan is currently receiving aid for housing and medical needs from Los Angeles along with her disability allowances from the State. She is soon moving into a new, better situated and safer apartment whereby her social security will continue to qualify her for assistance and her safety will be much less compromised. Moving however is an expense as is furnishings and groceries a new concern. Our gift from Kokku will assist her transition and alleviate some of the financial burden as she moves into a safer place. Susan has exuberantly expressed her sincere gratitude to this group for our financial assistance and care. God is her guide and we have been messengers.
Susan Edwards is an educated, previously successful (by all typical measurement) middle aged woman. Currently using disability benefits, Susan has found Los Angeles assistance with subsidized housing, medical care, and though she seeks employment it's difficult for an educated, unhealthy single woman to find sustaining employment.
Susan is currently receiving aid for housing and medical needs from Los Angeles along with her disability allowances from the State. She is soon moving into a new, better situated and safer apartment whereby her social security will continue to qualify her for assistance and her safety will be much less compromised. Moving however is an expense as is furnishings and groceries a new concern. Our gift from Kokku will assist her transition and alleviate some of the financial burden as she moves into a safer place. Susan has exuberantly expressed her sincere gratitude to this group for our financial assistance and care. God is her guide and we have been messengers.
5/2/21 Gail Sharp, teacher and helpful guide for family in Covina, CA
|
Thank You - Teacher, Gail Sharp helped us identify 3 kids we could assist.
We are thrilled to announce our newest gift to a deserving family. Through a teacher who was aware of their hardships, Gail Sharp, Kokku became aware of a great need for 3 children who are living with their grandfather in Covina, CA. Unfortunately the grandfather caretaker is not in good health, his wife and the children's grandmother is deceased and the immediate parents are unable to care for the children that include 2 younger boys in 8th grade and 9th grade and their big sister age 17 in 11th grade. To her credit, the eldest maintains care for her siblings including the traditional cooking, cleaning and monitoring their educational needs in their home as well as cares for their ailing grandfather - all whilst successfully managing her own high school career. Thanks to Kokku supporters for generous donations and giving us the ability to show support to this family. Our donation of $300 was used $200 toward food and supplies and $100 for school clothes since they went back to school. |
8/15/20 - Gary Sanora
|
Meet Gary Sanora
Gary lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a dog lover and a long-time advocate for care and kindness towards our canine friends, and has multiple pets. Gary has suffered through diabetes for quite some time, which has resulted in the loss of his lower left leg due to required amputation. Right now, Gary’s main hope is to walk again and bring home his fur babies. They are with his brother in California until he is ready. And he is also setting the goal of getting back to work and just living as much of a normal life as possible. With the funds that the Kokku members sent him, he is going to get some extra pairs of orthopedic shoes and some other things to make life easier again. |
05/1/20 - Brad Bullion & "Freddie"
|
Meet Brad & Freddie.
Freddie is a sweet little Italian Greyhound, and Brad Bullion is his owner. Poor little Freddie broke his leg. It happens to this breed of dog sometimes. Brad has a household of modest means, and his income was curtailed by the CoronaVirus Pandemic, so he reached out for help to a Facebook group for dog owners of this breed. The procedure ended up costing $4,364. A large group of compassionate people all pitched in through the Kokku campaign set up for Freddie at www.helpfreddie.com, and was able to raise the funds to pay for Freddie's surgery. Kokku was able to contact the vet directly not only to verify, but to make the final payment in full from the donations. Our pets mean everything. They are 100% unconditional Love and Joy. |
03/18/20 - Gary Pree
Meet Gary Pree.
Kokku was informed about Gary Pree from one of our members.
She has provided us with some information regarding Gary's journey:
Often people do not realize what an amazing milestone reaching 6 months clean and sober can be.
When Mr. Pree came to our facility he was in a dark place, drinking on a daily basis, living in a drug-infested dwelling and appeared to be hopeless. He was seeking help and was willing to enter a local rehabilitation center, which includes counseling and support groups. They state
We have seen such amazing changes in Mr. Pree; we have witnessed him bloom into himself since his decision to actively remain sober by staying engaged and actively participating in his recovery. Not only has Mr. Pree quit drinking, he has entered intermittent housing where he has a roommate and is living in a much safer and cleaner and stable environment.
Mr. Pree has also started a Literacy/GED program. Mr. Pree's current short term goal is to apply for a job and he will definitely need the proper attire to do that. His long term goals are to continue his education in becoming a Veterinary Assistant and eventually a Veterinarian.
Mr. Pree stated he would like to thank KOKKU for giving him the opportunity to get the attire needed to re-enter the work force and expressed how much he would like to eventually pay it forward and give back by becoming a KOKKU member.
Kokku has presented Gary with a check for $300 to help him with his goals to obtain employment. We hope to see him helping our animal friends some day if all goes well. He'll be using the funds to shop for work attire and anything necessary using the funds we have provided.
When you combine someone with a genuine desire to make their lives better and as a result better for the world around them, all it takes is just a little compassion and generosity to kick-start what could be waves of positive energy from someone who has turned their life around.
Kokku has added the compassion part. Gary is adding the desire part. Let's see where that recipe leads. And hopefully in the future we'll see Gary as a Kokku member also!
Kokku was informed about Gary Pree from one of our members.
She has provided us with some information regarding Gary's journey:
Often people do not realize what an amazing milestone reaching 6 months clean and sober can be.
When Mr. Pree came to our facility he was in a dark place, drinking on a daily basis, living in a drug-infested dwelling and appeared to be hopeless. He was seeking help and was willing to enter a local rehabilitation center, which includes counseling and support groups. They state
We have seen such amazing changes in Mr. Pree; we have witnessed him bloom into himself since his decision to actively remain sober by staying engaged and actively participating in his recovery. Not only has Mr. Pree quit drinking, he has entered intermittent housing where he has a roommate and is living in a much safer and cleaner and stable environment.
Mr. Pree has also started a Literacy/GED program. Mr. Pree's current short term goal is to apply for a job and he will definitely need the proper attire to do that. His long term goals are to continue his education in becoming a Veterinary Assistant and eventually a Veterinarian.
Mr. Pree stated he would like to thank KOKKU for giving him the opportunity to get the attire needed to re-enter the work force and expressed how much he would like to eventually pay it forward and give back by becoming a KOKKU member.
Kokku has presented Gary with a check for $300 to help him with his goals to obtain employment. We hope to see him helping our animal friends some day if all goes well. He'll be using the funds to shop for work attire and anything necessary using the funds we have provided.
When you combine someone with a genuine desire to make their lives better and as a result better for the world around them, all it takes is just a little compassion and generosity to kick-start what could be waves of positive energy from someone who has turned their life around.
Kokku has added the compassion part. Gary is adding the desire part. Let's see where that recipe leads. And hopefully in the future we'll see Gary as a Kokku member also!
10/19/19 - Rebecca Mala
Becca went in for a routine partial hysterectomy on June 5th. On June 6th some of her vital signs were showing distress and they took her in for a CT Scan where they discovered 3 areas of internal bleeding. They had to rush her to emergency surgery and quickly get the bleeding to stop. It happened very fast and was so very scary. While in surgery, they had to start a blood transfusion. After surgery, she was in ICU for 4 days where she received 8 units of blood - which is a lot. It was a long recovery at home and lots of pain and missed work for her, her husband and other family members. While recovering, she had back pain that the doctor thought was associated with the trauma of the surgery and her core and abdomen recovering slowly. The back pain persisted and increased and became debilitating. She had to be taken to the ER by ambulance on September 19th. The doctors discovered that her back pain was not muscular but was a serious bacterial infection in her lower lumbar. After an MRI and a bone biopsy, they found out that the bacteria had started in the abdomen and had made its way to the lumbar area. After 5 days in the hospital, she was discharged and she is now doing 8 weeks of antibiotics through infusion (through anpic line that was placed in her arm). The doctors believe this infection to be a post-op infection from her surgeries in June. It has been an awful time and having to gain strength and energy back has been hard but taking it day by day.
Through some odd bureaucracy, this has left her family with an $11,000 bill that was totally unforeseen.
Becca has spent a good portion of her life teaching young people the art and beauty of dance. She has also been extremely generous not only with her time, but donating funds to others in need. Well, she and her family have been set back my an unforeseen medical emergency and needed our help now.
Kokku presented Becca with a check for $700 to try and help with some of the bills.
Through some odd bureaucracy, this has left her family with an $11,000 bill that was totally unforeseen.
Becca has spent a good portion of her life teaching young people the art and beauty of dance. She has also been extremely generous not only with her time, but donating funds to others in need. Well, she and her family have been set back my an unforeseen medical emergency and needed our help now.
Kokku presented Becca with a check for $700 to try and help with some of the bills.
5/5/19 - Laurie Tollestrup
Laurie had been living in her car for three weeks and was really at her wit's end when she reached out to one of our Kokku members.
Laurie is 62 and had lost her job. She had been seeking permanent employment in the San Diego area for three years to no avail, and she really had nowhere to turn. Now, up in the LA area she has a new market to try and given her accounting skills she is hopeful she can find work. She has had some luck with recent job interviews! Of course being hopeful is difficult at this time. Laurie has some physical issues hindering her right now - broken shoulder and knees that are constantly hurting and slow to move.
She is in need of so much - a job (which she spends most of her time seeking) a safe place to stay and most of all, compassion. Ideally if she could afford to rent a room somewhere that would allow her to continue to seek work more easily. She does have a car! (which unfortunately, needs to be registered ASAP because her registration expired 4/30). She does get a small social security check that allows her to pay for her car and insurance and student loan but there's no money left for housing.
Kokku was able to step in and provide funds to Laurie so that she could get her car registered and continue seeking employment.
Laurie is 62 and had lost her job. She had been seeking permanent employment in the San Diego area for three years to no avail, and she really had nowhere to turn. Now, up in the LA area she has a new market to try and given her accounting skills she is hopeful she can find work. She has had some luck with recent job interviews! Of course being hopeful is difficult at this time. Laurie has some physical issues hindering her right now - broken shoulder and knees that are constantly hurting and slow to move.
She is in need of so much - a job (which she spends most of her time seeking) a safe place to stay and most of all, compassion. Ideally if she could afford to rent a room somewhere that would allow her to continue to seek work more easily. She does have a car! (which unfortunately, needs to be registered ASAP because her registration expired 4/30). She does get a small social security check that allows her to pay for her car and insurance and student loan but there's no money left for housing.
Kokku was able to step in and provide funds to Laurie so that she could get her car registered and continue seeking employment.
4/23/19 - Jennifer Stivers
Cancer has ravaged the family of Jennifer Stivers. She has buried 2 brothers (ages 35 and 57), and her stepfather. Now she is battling for her own life against stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer.
Jennifer is a singer. She pursued her dream writing songs and performing in the clubs along Ventura Blvd in suburban LA. Her band made a few albums and had a small following. She waited on tables to support her music. Then she got her diagnosis. And she got very, very sick. She lives alone in a one room studio in a tough neighborhood, without a partner or children. She has been receiving aggressive chemo therapy (after surgery), which leaves her with crippling diarrhea and vomiting. She has been unable to work for 2 years, surviving on unemployment and food stamps. Her Obamacare insurance runs out this month as does her unemployment. Leaving her in dire circumstances. Social security covers rent only-no groceries, medicines, bills, gas or car insurance. Her friends and former employers have been helping but the road ahead is unsure and the bills continue to mount. Every little bit of financial helps lessens her emotional stress...and allows her to relax for a brief moment.
Thank you to all the Kokku members for making this possible with your monthly donations.
We are now connected to Jennifer and with her on her path towards fighting her cancer.
Jennifer is a singer. She pursued her dream writing songs and performing in the clubs along Ventura Blvd in suburban LA. Her band made a few albums and had a small following. She waited on tables to support her music. Then she got her diagnosis. And she got very, very sick. She lives alone in a one room studio in a tough neighborhood, without a partner or children. She has been receiving aggressive chemo therapy (after surgery), which leaves her with crippling diarrhea and vomiting. She has been unable to work for 2 years, surviving on unemployment and food stamps. Her Obamacare insurance runs out this month as does her unemployment. Leaving her in dire circumstances. Social security covers rent only-no groceries, medicines, bills, gas or car insurance. Her friends and former employers have been helping but the road ahead is unsure and the bills continue to mount. Every little bit of financial helps lessens her emotional stress...and allows her to relax for a brief moment.
Thank you to all the Kokku members for making this possible with your monthly donations.
We are now connected to Jennifer and with her on her path towards fighting her cancer.
8/24/18 - Paul Avila
Paul was suggested as a recipient from one of our members.
He has a blind and autistic son he has shared custody with his son’s mother. We thought it was very cool that Paul has a charity he started called Pauly’s Project where he hands out battery opera radios to homeless people on skid row along with hygiene kits, clothes, shoes, food, tarps, blankets, etc. He does a couple of trips to sky’s row every week. This is all his giving back to the community. His paying job is working as jeweler.
He doesn’t make much and has suffered some health issues, especially an episode of gout recently. He could use some help, so we at the Kokku Community are providing some to him.
Sometimes those that work hard at helping others need help themselves once in a while.
All of you Kokku members did this for Paul. Feel proud of what you've done for him, and also for the connection we all now have to Paul and his endeavors.
Here is Paul being presented with his funds by our member's father.
He has a blind and autistic son he has shared custody with his son’s mother. We thought it was very cool that Paul has a charity he started called Pauly’s Project where he hands out battery opera radios to homeless people on skid row along with hygiene kits, clothes, shoes, food, tarps, blankets, etc. He does a couple of trips to sky’s row every week. This is all his giving back to the community. His paying job is working as jeweler.
He doesn’t make much and has suffered some health issues, especially an episode of gout recently. He could use some help, so we at the Kokku Community are providing some to him.
Sometimes those that work hard at helping others need help themselves once in a while.
All of you Kokku members did this for Paul. Feel proud of what you've done for him, and also for the connection we all now have to Paul and his endeavors.
Here is Paul being presented with his funds by our member's father.
02/02/18 - Kahului Elementary School
Kahului Elementary suffered a really bad fire in November. It seems that it may have been due to arson, which is really awful.
We first learned about Kahului Elementary about a month ago. The fire occurred on Nov. 24th. It caused about $1.2 million in damages.
We then learned that the school was already in need of general funds even before this fire occurred. During my conversation with the representatives from Kahului, I learned that many of these kids don't have much and the school system is very slow in their process of getting funds where they need to be.
You can read more about the Kahului Elementary school fire here:
http://mauinow.com/2017/11/30/arson-investigation-kahului-elementary-school/
Through our affiliate organization - Maui Team Tennis - Kokku decided to make an exception to the general practice of giving funds to individuals when we heard about the fire at Kahului Elementary school.
Kokku and Maui Team Tennis presented the school with $500 to help with their supplies needed.
We first learned about Kahului Elementary about a month ago. The fire occurred on Nov. 24th. It caused about $1.2 million in damages.
We then learned that the school was already in need of general funds even before this fire occurred. During my conversation with the representatives from Kahului, I learned that many of these kids don't have much and the school system is very slow in their process of getting funds where they need to be.
You can read more about the Kahului Elementary school fire here:
http://mauinow.com/2017/11/30/arson-investigation-kahului-elementary-school/
Through our affiliate organization - Maui Team Tennis - Kokku decided to make an exception to the general practice of giving funds to individuals when we heard about the fire at Kahului Elementary school.
Kokku and Maui Team Tennis presented the school with $500 to help with their supplies needed.
07/24/17 – Diana Dolan
|
Diana works 5 days a week at a stained glass supply warehouse and on Saturdays at an animal hospital.
Even working 6 days a week she still struggles to make ends meet. She has several pets at home that she cares for. One small rescue dog uses wheels to get around as his back legs don’t work. She has worked with him to be a therapy dog. She also rescued a bloodhound whose back legs didn’t work well either who just passed away. She has a caring heart for animals who need a home, especially the ones whose owners give up on them. |
A few weeks ago, they had a severe hailstorm in the Denver area. Diana’s greenhouse windows were all busted as well as the skylight in her She spends a lot of her money on helping animals so she doesn’t really have the money for these extra expenses. The Kokku members see what amazing things she does for the little angels in our world, so we wanted to help Diana with some unforeseen expenses.
02/18/17 – Crystal Kacmar
|
On September 30, 2005 Crystal was t-boned by an F150 and broke her C5-C6 and L4-S5. She has had 1 cervical fusion, 2 lumbar fusions, and 3 back surgeries to place a spinal cord stimulator which helps with pain. She has neuropathy in her legs and hands. With her first back surgery, she got C-Diff which is a reaction in the stomach that is caused by too much antibiotics and makes you have constant vomiting and diarrhea. She had to go back into the hospital to heal from that. After 10 months, it showed that her fusion did not take and her vertebrae above the screws had slipped so she had to go back in for another back surgery. She’s in pain every second of every day. This has caused depression and weight gain due to the pain and inability to exercise properly.
During the course of her treatment, Crystal has struggled through additional complications. However, she recently got approved for bariatric surgery which will help tremendously. |
In 2014, during the course of being admitted into the hospital she was diagnosed with Crohns Disease. She has been admitted to the hospital a few times because of it and struggles with it daily.
She is currently on disability due to her back and her disability pay is half of what she was making while working. Now almost all of the bills and rent falls on her husband who is a bus driver. There are many times where her disability payments do not come through because the disability office doesn’t inform the state that she has been extended . There are many times where they have very little money to do anything like get groceries and gas.
Even through her journey of health challenges, Crystal is always helping and thinking of others. That is the reason one of our members suggested her as a recipient.
Kokku has stepped in and we are doing what we can to help. Here is Crystal being presented with her funds:
She is currently on disability due to her back and her disability pay is half of what she was making while working. Now almost all of the bills and rent falls on her husband who is a bus driver. There are many times where her disability payments do not come through because the disability office doesn’t inform the state that she has been extended . There are many times where they have very little money to do anything like get groceries and gas.
Even through her journey of health challenges, Crystal is always helping and thinking of others. That is the reason one of our members suggested her as a recipient.
Kokku has stepped in and we are doing what we can to help. Here is Crystal being presented with her funds:
11-28-16 – Kimberly DeFusco
|
Kimberly DeFusco is a mother of two beautiful daughters (Thailah-21 and Mia-19). Four years ago she received her cosmetology license and for the past three years she has been working as a barber in a nice little shop located in Whittier California. Kimberly loves her job!
About one year ago, after a routine female exam, her doctor informed her that the results came back abnormal. After many tests, the diagnosis was that she needs to have a hysterectomy. Although she was feeling a bit nervous about the surgery itself, most of the anxiety she was feeling is over the position that this surgery has put them in financially. Her doctor recommends 4-6 weeks recovery. Especially since her job as a barber requires her to be on her feet all day. Furthermore, as a barber, she is considered self employed and the disability she qualifies for is minimal. Three years ago, before she started working at the shop, she was out of work for almost four weeks. Living on her husbands salary alone during that time put them in a hole so deep, it took over a year to get out of it. Her fear is falling into that hole again. To make matters worse, in addition to the regular monthly expenses, they also have our their registration due this month. And of course, timing is not good given this is all happening during the holiday season. Once Kokku learned of Kim’s life path, through the help of our members, we have stepped in to help! |
09-15-16 – Patrick and Kandace Bowman
Patrick and Kandace Bowman were victims of the recent Louisiana Floods. Their home ended up and underwater, with everything damaged and destroyed, including their cars. As you can see from their recipient video, they have young children in their household. Attached you can see a picture of their home under water.
One of our Kokku members has family in the Louisiana area, and suggested the Bowmans as possible recipients. Once we saw the devastation they’ve been through, we immediately put them on our recipient list.
Kokku has presented the Bowmans with a check for $500 to try and help on their journey to rebuild their lives.
Click the video below to view their words to the Kokku members in receiving their funds.
One of our Kokku members has family in the Louisiana area, and suggested the Bowmans as possible recipients. Once we saw the devastation they’ve been through, we immediately put them on our recipient list.
Kokku has presented the Bowmans with a check for $500 to try and help on their journey to rebuild their lives.
Click the video below to view their words to the Kokku members in receiving their funds.
Thank you to John Antolik for serving as Kokku Ambassador in presenting the check and providing our members with a video.
07/29/16 – Bonnie Blum
Bonnie is on a fixed income, and has suffered a few setbacks. A few months back, she fell and broke her wrist and needed to go through therapy for the injury. Bonnie’s mother passed away a couple of years ago, and unfortunately her Mom’s financial situation left Bonnie with bills and a distressed property.
She also has a brother that suffers from an illness that requires medication. Bonnie was also in a car accident weeks ago and can”t get around much until she can get past the injuries.
She needed a little help, and Kokku was there to provide some.
Here are a few words from Bonnie to the Kokku Members and donors after receiving her check.
She also has a brother that suffers from an illness that requires medication. Bonnie was also in a car accident weeks ago and can”t get around much until she can get past the injuries.
She needed a little help, and Kokku was there to provide some.
Here are a few words from Bonnie to the Kokku Members and donors after receiving her check.
