KEN IGE / KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM The Diamond Head Rotary Club donated 101 pairs of slippers and other school supplies to Ala Wai Elementary. From left, students Riki Masuda, Sarah De Lima and Kamalani Kawaa represented the school in accepting the slippers. Club members and school staff are in the background.

Ala Wai school
a step ahead with
slipper gift

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Star-Bulletin staff

The Rotary Club of Diamond Head has donated 101 pairs of rubber slippers to the Ala Wai Elementary School.

Laura Schoenrock, a rotary club spokesman, said other donations include school supplies, "Read to Me" books, tutoring, and labor and money for grounds improvement and school beautification.

The club, chartered in December 2001, has adopted Ala Wai as a fundamental part of its service to the community.

According to school Principal Charlotte Unni, most of their children are from low-income families and barely have the basic necessities to attend school.

"We've been begging for slippers because their shoes and slippers constantly break, and school rules require footwear for safety," she said.

The Waikiki community was "greatly impacted by Sept. 11," Unni said.

"Over 50 percent of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch. The staff is really caring and goes out of its way to buy things for the children with their personal funds," so "we're delighted" that the club has taken the school under its wing, Unni said.

Iolani School has also donated extra clothes for students to wear when their clothing gets soiled or wet from the rain.

"Most of the time these clothes don't come back (to the school), but it's not required, and we're glad they have the clothes they need," Unni said. The students also need backpacks, Unni added.