On a Saturday morning in October, Locations Foundation volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty—literally—as they worked together with Hawaii 3Rs to refresh the raised garden beds at Ahuimanu Elementary School in Kaneohe.

Armed with gloves, shovels and plenty of aloha spirit, our volunteers cleared weeds from the beds and topped them off with fresh soil.  The project not only enhanced the school’s appearance, but also supported Ahuimanu Elementary’s commitment to outdoor, hands-on learning through the ‘ĀINA In Schools program.

Ahuimanu is one of just 13 elementary schools on Oahu that uses the ‘ĀINA In Schools program to integrate garden-based education into its curriculum, connecting children to the land and healthy eating. By revitalizing the school’s garden spaces, Locations Foundation volunteers helped to ensure students can continue learning about sustainability, nutrition and the environment in a thriving outdoor classroom.

This service event was part of the Foundation’s ongoing partnership with Hawaii 3Rs, a local nonprofit that brings community volunteers together to complete maintenance and improvement projects at public schools across the islands. By lending a hand, volunteers help schools to stretch their limited resources while fostering community pride and teamwork.

“It’s amazing to see how much we can accomplish in just a few hours when we all pitch in,” said Jay Miller, Foundation Executive Board Member and mortgage loan officer at Hawaii Mortgage Group, a Locations affiliate. “Picturing the smiles on students’ faces when they see their refreshed garden space made it all worthwhile.”

Mahalo to our partners at Hawaii 3Rs and Locations Foundation volunteers Chad Takesue, Dancetta Feary, Dawn Horn, and Jay and Michelle Miller for helping to make a difference in our community, one school at a time. Together, we’re helping Hawaii’s keiki to grow and thrive in nurturing environments.

About Hawaii 3Rs

Hawaii 3Rs, which stands for “Repair, Remodel, Restore,” is a nonprofit organization that has been transforming Hawaii’s public schools since its founding in 2001 by the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. With nearly 500 completed projects under their belt, Hawaii 3R’s has made a significant impact across the state, helping to refresh and revitalize nearly every public school. Their dedication has not only improved learning environments but has also saved the state more than $40 million in labor costs through community partnerships and volunteerism.