Virtual Volunteer Week Hawai‘i was an absolute success for many students across the state. Hundreds of youth found creative ways to #RespondWithAloha, while following the latest health and safety guidelines. We checked in with our friends at Island Pacific Academy, Blue Zones Project Approved^™ school and worksite, to see their project titled 'Aloha for Patients.'

Aloha for Patients delivery to Queen's Medical Center West O‘ahu

Katherine Jones, Island Pacific Academy's Sustainability and Innovations Coordinator, shared some highlights of their project. "We collected approximately 170 notes, cards, drawing and other pieces of art from our elementary students K-5 and distributed them between Queens Punchbowl, Queens West and Kaiser. A parent at Queens Punchbowl took some to be distributed to the COVID-19 patients. I met with Andrea Wilburn, Patient Relations Director at Queens West, through one of our 2nd grade parents and dropped off cards. Steve [Ross, Elementary Principal] has another packet to go to Kaiser. The rest will go to patients who are unable to receive patients during this time due to social distancing safety measures."

"The kids really went above and beyond. One kindergartener and her mom made 17 cards. Another kindergartener dropped off laminated book marker type of things with Hawaiian flowers. A fifth grade family did beautiful floral watercolor cards. A 2nd grader did about 10 glittery flower cards with handwritten notes and photos of his dog to cheer up patients. It was amazing."

"We were successful at this school-wide initiative because we had a school work pick-up this past Wednesday and put out a box for the parents and kids to drop off items."

Mahalo IPA for sharing your aloha with patients at local hospitals!