Special Announcement: Maui Toy Drive for Families Affected by Wildfires

Aloha Friends,

I am writing to share something truly special and close to my heart – a Toy Drive for the children whose lives have been touched by the Maui wildfires. This initiative is a collective labor of love, brought to life by the Lifestyle Maui Team, represented by me, Tom Tezak, on behalf of Hawai’i Life, in collaboration with the wonderful team at Maui BBQ Grills led by Jeff Viscum, and the compassionate group at Calvary Chapel South Maui’s Food Pantry, under the guidance of the remarkable Coleen Rishovd.

Our mission is just beginning, and our goal is ambitious – to collect over 1000 toys for the hundreds of families impacted by the fires. We understand the challenges these families face, and we are on a mission to make this holiday season unforgettable for these resilient kids.

The Toy Drive is already in motion, and we need your support to make it a success. The Food Pantry will start distributing the toys the week prior to Thanksgiving and continue through December 20th, ensuring that these children have a brighter Christmas.

Let’s fill this room up with toys!

Remember, it’s not just about the little ones. Let’s make sure our teenagers and preteens have a memorable Christmas too! Often, they’re the ones who get left out in the excitement of toy shopping. So, please, consider donating toys suitable for boys and girls of all ages. Sports equipment, surf gear, bikes, and gift cards to local Maui surf shops or major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco are fantastic additions. If you choose gift cards, please make them in $25 and $50 denominations.

For those of you here on Maui, you can drop off your toys at Maui BBQ Grills at 300 Ohukai Rd, Suite B310, in The Kihei Commercial Center, right behind Karmart and the Shell station off Piilani Highway. They will store the toys for the Food Pantry until it’s time for distribution.

Now, for all of you off island who want to be part of this mission, we need your help too! Simply go online to our local surf and bike shops, Amazon, Target, Walmart, and other fantastic retailers. Shop to your heart’s content, and have the toys sent to ‘Your Name, C/O Maui BBQ Grills, 300 Ohukai Rd. unit 310, Kihei, HI, 96753.’ Let’s bring the spirit of aloha to these children, no matter where you are in the world. Alternatively, if you wish to support local retailers, reach out to them, pay with your credit card, and let us know. We’re more than happy to pick up the items on your behalf. Just send an email to Mauitoydrive@gmail.com, and let the retailer know that Tom Tezak or Jeff Viscum will pick up the items.

If you prefer to make a tax-deductible contribution, you can do so through Calvary Chapel South Maui’s website at CalvaryMaui.org. Click on the giving link, select ‘Christmas Outreach’ from the drop-down menu, and make your donation. If you’re old school like me, you can send a check made payable to Calvary Chapel South Maui, attention Tom Tezak, care of Maui BBQ Grills, and I will ensure it gets to the Food Pantry on your behalf.

Hundreds of families and children have been affected by the Maui wildfires, whether directly or indirectly, and we are determined to be their silver lining this holiday season. Together, with your help, we want every child to experience the magic of Christmas.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and for considering how you can be a part of this heartfelt mission. If you are moved to help and decide to share some aloha please send us an email at MauiToyDrive@gmail.com and let us know so we can be on the lookout for your gifts. Let’s ignite the holiday spirit and show these families that Maui’s heart knows no bounds. Together, we can fill this island with love, laughter, and LOTS & LOTS OF TOYS.

Aloha and thank you for your support!

Warm regards,

Tom Tezak