RAM members help make the season bright
The holiday season is full of precious memories and magical moments. And what could be more precious or magical than seeing a child’s face light up on Christmas morning? But in these difficult times, there are many children who could wake up to find no gifts under the tree.
That’s where programs like Toys for Tots step in to help.
Founded in 1947 by U.S. Marine Corps Major Bill Hendricks, Toys for Tots makes the holidays a little bit brighter for deserving kids across the country. Run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the program teams up with nonprofits and companies to collect and distribute toys to children who may not otherwise receive one. Every year, the Street Bikers United (SBU) Maui Chapter supports the Toys for Tots program by rounding up thousands of toys—everything from Barbies to bicycles to board games—for kids of all ages whose families are registered for the
Toys for Tots program in Maui County.
And for the second year in a row, a group of Realtors Association of Maui (RAM) members will help the SBU Maui Chapter make Christmas wishes come true.
On Thursday, Dec. 10, RAM’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) will collect toys from 4 to 6 p.m. at Maui Brewing Company in Kihei. You don’t have to be a YPN or RAM member to participate: Just drop off a new, unwrapped toy for a child of any age—from infants to toddlers to tweens and teens. And if you can’t stop by that day, you can drop off gifts any time between Dec. 1 and 10 at any of the Old Republic Title office locations in Kahului, Lahaina and Wailea.
All of the items collected will be delivered to the SBU Maui Chapter and eventually make their way to several local charities, including the Salvation Army, Family Life Center, Mental Health Kokua, Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers, Pacific Cancer Foundation, Molokai Youth Center, and Aunty Jan’s House of Blessings.
YPN is comprised of RAM members from various brokerage firms, as well as affiliate members. Although YPN stands for “Young Professionals Network,” it also welcomes members who are new to the business of real estate. Among other things, YPN gives its members the tools and encouragement they need to pursue leadership roles within their local, state, and national Realtors associations; stay on top of industry news and trends; take an active role in policy discussions and advocacy issues; and give back to their community by volunteering for causes they feel passionately about.
SBU Maui Chapter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to protect and advance the interests of all motorcyclists in the political process, while making a positive difference in the community. It may be best known for its annual toy run and parade, which brings motorcycle enthusiasts of all stripes together on one December morning; they ride en masse along a pre-planned route with brand-new toys strapped to their bikes. (The Salvation Army ultimately receives and distributes the toys to registered families.)
In light of COVID-19, this year’s event will look a little different: In lieu of a parade, there will be a free drivethrough breakfast for anyone who donates an unwrapped toy or bicycle. The breakfast event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Azeka Shopping Center in Kihei (1280 South Kihei Rd.) and it is BYOM (Bring Your Own Mask).
You can help the SBU Maui Chapter get a head start by stopping by the YPN toy drive on Thursday, Dec. 10. Your donation will bring cheer to a child in need this holiday season.
For Old Republic Title office locations and operating hours, visit www.oldrepublictitle.com/hawaii. To learn more about the Street Bikers United Maui Chapter or to make an online donation, visit www.mauitoys4tots.org.