FL MORRIS / STAR-BULLETIN
Volunteers Keanini Ramsey, left, and Pedro Ortiz prepared
school supplies yesterday at the Ready to Learn warehouse
at the Weinberg Foundation in Kalihi.

Pencil and paper
can make a kid’s day

Ready to Learn aims to
supply all students for
success in school

Where to donate

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

Four years ago, Keanini Ramsey saw a sixth-grader shunned by fellow students at Moanalua Elementary School because she did not have paper and pencils.

"It's hard to see a kid crying," Ramsey said.

The teacher bought school supplies on her own and provided children in need, she said.

Through the Ready to Learn program, children do not have to feel embarrassed like that anymore, said Ramsey, a first-time volunteer for the organization.

The Ready to Learn campaign kicks off tomorrow at Tamarind Park from noon to 1 p.m. with entertainment provided by Na Oiwi and KRTR Radio. Honolulu firefighters and members of the Hawaii National Guard will collect school supplies and donations at the park.

Ready to Learn is a partnership between honorary co-chairmen U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye; his wife, Maggie, a former schoolteacher; and Helping Hands Hawaii. The organization is a seasonal program with about 400 volunteers who distribute donated supplies to students on all islands before the school year begins. Distribution is expected to begin in mid-June.

Inouye (D, Hawaii) said: "No children should go to school ashamed of not having school supplies.

"With the right tools, each child will be prepared and ready to learn."

Linda Chu Takayama, one of the coordinators of Ready to Learn, said the demand for school supplies has increased this year.

About 25,000 children throughout the state will obtain pencils, paper and other supplies through the organization.

Warehouse manager Ed Hiraki said Pokemon folders, backpacks and mechanical pencils have been dropped off aside from the standard supplies.

"You can see it on their faces" when children receive school supplies, said Hiraki. "It's like a kid getting a Christmas present."

Some children are teased by other students in school when they do not have the basic supplies or the "in" things.

When children are given something like this, it makes them want to go to school, Hiraki said.

Tons of letters have been sent by children to Inouye and Helping Hands Hawaii thanking them for the supplies.

"It's enough to make you feel glad that you're doing it," said Hiraki.

Sponsors for the 2001 Ready to Learn program include corporate businesses, KITV, KRTR Radio and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

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Where to donate >> From June 18 to July 1 at every fire station statewide. >> June 30 at Oceanic Cable's Family Day at Bishop Museum. >> July 7 at Ala Moana Centerstage. Donations may be sent to or dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch from June 18 to July 1. Checks can be made to: Ready to Learn 2100 N. Nimitz Hwy. Honolulu, HI 96819 Those interested in conducting their own internal drive can call Ready to Learn at 841-4593.