mtanji@mauinews.com
Volunteers Brad Zoppi and Lisa Karch accept a toy donation Sunday morning during a drive-thru donation event for Toys 4 Tots organized by Street Bikers United Hawaii â Maui Chapter at the Azeka Shopping Center. The Maui News / MELISSA TANJI photos
KIHEI Like everything else, COVID-19 altered the annual Maui Toys 4 Tots Motorcycle Toy Run at the Azeka Shopping Center in Kihei this year.
Gone were the hundreds of motorcyclists traveling to Kihei and gathering at the center, along with the festivities that followed in the center’s parking lot.
But not gone was the holiday and giving spirit, as organizers Street Bikers United Hawaii – Maui Chapter pivoted and conducted a drive-thru event instead. Individual motorcycles, motorcycle clubs, classic cars and the general public pulled up in their vehicles steadily for three hours Sunday morning. They dropped off unwrapped toys and or cash donations for the Toys for Tots program which is presented by the U
lfujimoto@mauinews.com
Police solo bike Sgt. Gregg Rowe talks to 4-year-old Chase along with traffic Sgt. Kenneth Kihata (center) and traffic investigator Alvin Ota before the start of the Heroes & Helpers event Saturday morning at Puâunene Shopping Center. The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photos
PUUNENE With police officers delivering gifts and greetings along the way, there was no shortage of Christmas spirit as children in need picked up early presents during a drive-thru event at Pu’unene Shopping Center.
“This is very fun for us. They were excited the whole week,” said Wailuku resident Jay-Dee Kuaana, who has custody of her 4-year-old niece, Kaley, and 5-year-old nephew, Kaptyn. “They respect the officers. This is just another good connection for them.”