Locations Foundation Kicks Off Backpack to School Supply Drive
As a new school year approaches, it’s time for parents and caregivers to check their supply lists and click “add to cart.” But, for many families in need across Oahu who can’t afford to purchase new supplies this year, students will have to make do with worn-out or hand-me-down items, or no supplies at all.
That’s why, 23 years ago, the Locations Foundation launched its annual Backpack to School initiative to provide brand-new backpacks stuffed with school supplies to less fortunate students in our communities. Since 2001, the Foundation has donated thousands of backpacks filled with paper, pencils and more, to nonprofit organizations that serve local children.
“Backpack to School gives keiki in need the opportunity to start the new school year on the right foot,” said Devin Minardi, Realtor-Associate at Locations and Foundation Advisory Board member. “This year, we’ll provide 500 students with a brand-new backpack full of school supplies. It’s a small gift, but we hope that it can make a big difference for children in need this school year,” Minardi added.
How to Give to Backpack to School
Drop-off locations
Locations clients and members of the community who would like to donate to Backpack to School are invited to drop-off new supplies (see list below) at following Locations sites during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) from Monday, July 1 to Friday, July 12.
- Diamond Head: 614 Kapahulu Ave. #300
- Kapolei: 91-590 Farrington Hwy. #135
- Pearlridge: 98-161 Kaonohi St.
- Any Locations Open House on Sunday, July 7, 2024
What supplies are needed?
- 1″ binders
- Folder paper, wide rule
- Composition books, wide rule
- Colored pencils (12 pack)
- Crayola crayons (24 pack)
- Pens, black and red
- Highlighters, yellow
- #2 pencils
- Erasers, white
- Glue sticks
- Rulers
Mahalo for helping us to meet our goal of 500 backpacks!
Locations Foundation Volunteers Support Community Cleanup in Kakaʻako
On Saturday, April 25, 29 volunteers from across the Locations family participated in the Mālama ʻĀina Community Cleanup in Kakaʻako, joining neighbors and community partners in a shared effort to care for the neighborhood. In about one hour, volunteers worked together to clean approximately 10 blocks across the Kakaʻako neighborhood of Honolulu — from Ala Moana Boulevard to Halekauwila Street — helping keep public spaces clean and welcoming.
Locations Foundation Delivers Holiday Gifts to Local Residents in Need
In December 2025, the Locations Foundation was honored to support three local organizations doing vital work for our community: The Salvation Army Kauluwela Corps, Kahauiki Village and RYSE Hawaii. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers, we were able to deliver extra holiday joy to local residents in low-income communities.
Locations Foundation Serves up Smiles at Family Programs Hawaii Holiday Party
The Locations Foundation was once again a proud sponsor of Family Programs Hawaii's 27th Annual Holiday Party. On Sunday, December 7, 2025, we joined more than 750 volunteers from 50 companies and organizations at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu to make holiday magic for 900 children in Oahu’s foster care system.
Locations Foundation Partners With Weed & Seed Hawaii for Heroes & Helpers Holiday Shopping Spree
The Locations Foundation was proud to support Weed & Seed Hawaii with their Heroes & Helpers holiday shopping experience on December 6. This meaningful annual event pairs children in need with community "heroes"—Honolulu Police Department officers and other volunteers— for a special morning of holiday-gift shopping.