Every year on Statehood Day, La Pietra students have a chance to bond during Class Day, a school tradition. This year, the day took on a deeper meaning as students shared a special experience while giving back to two organizations: Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children and Hoola Na Pua.

“One of our values here at La Pietra is Kahiau, which means to give of yourself without expectation of return,” said Dean of Students Gay Chinen. “So we thought it would be nice if we worked that into the Class Day too.”

La Pietra’s middle school students worked with Kapiolani’s Child Life Playroom, which provides a safe and fun atmosphere for hospitalized children. Students put together gift bags made up of baby toys and supplies, fidget toys, and stress balls, many of which were generously donated by Target. Students also spent time writing heartfelt cards to offer young patients awaiting medical procedures some encouragement.

Hoola Na Pua is a nonprofit committed to the prevention of sex trafficking and providing care for children who have been exploited. In the spirit of its mission, high school students took on the task of putting together sets of toiletries, making sketchbooks, and helping in the ideation of a social media marketing campaign for the nonprofit.

“The purpose of us doing a service project is really to have the girls get the sense of what it feels like to give back to the community, and it’s always a feel-good opportunity,” Chinen said.