Writer: Jared Roberts ~ Multimedia Journalist
BYU-Hawaii’s Give and Take has been busy with an additional mission titled “Island Project.” The project focuses on sending clothes that have not been claimed to outer islands like Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and the Philippines, to name a few.
Sister Andersen, who was on assignment at the Give and Take when she first arrived in Hawaii about one year ago, thought up the idea for the project.“I couldn’t stand to see everything being wasted and I knew they could be used in other locations,” said Sister Andersen.
The project plans on donating the excess clothing or supplies that are left at the Give and Take to students and community members who are graduating and/or leaving for the islands where they can then distribute them.“
In order to do this, we take clothing that is less desirable and turn them in to the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii. They come and pick it up and pay us for the clothes we give them,” said Aaron Ng’ambi, a senior in political science and manager of Give and Take from Zambia. “The money we receive from the foundation is what we use to pay for the shipping of items to other islands or countries.”
Because BYUH’s Give and Take is a non-profit organization, the “Island Project” helps it become a sustainable facility here oncampus.“
Being able to make money off of less desirable clothing and using that money for sending out our packages says a lot,” said Les Harper, the facilities manager for Give and Take. “The idea is to be sustainable.”
On top of sending clothes to outer islands, Give and Take is also able to donate to various local schools and libraries.
“We have already donated to Laie Elementary and the Kahuku Library. We hope to be able to donate to more places as time goes on,” said Jennifer Banks, a service missionary at BYUH who helps with Give and Take three days out of the week.
The Give and Take received its name from the concept behind it. The idea is to give 30 minutes of service and then take 10 items. “It’s easy, user-friendly, and a great alternative to going to [a department store]. Everything you need can be found at the Give and Take,” said Gabriell Sabalones, a senior in peace building from Indiana, who works as an assistant student manager at Give and Take.