HOME SOUTH MAUI PROPERTIES NORTH SHORE PROPERTIES ABOUT + RESOURCES + VACATION RENTALS ↗ SEARCH PROPERTIESCALL NOW SCROLL #MAKAWAOSTRONG Last year, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, four neighbors launched an effort to help people in need. Today, that effort is still going strong. In fact, it’s stronger than ever. Makawao residents Claudia Garcia of Maui International Real Estate Services and Kristine Musto are next-door neighbors and the co-creators of #MakawaoSTRONG, a community-driven effort that has since evolved into Upcountry Strong, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. In December, Upcountry Strong made its debut as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with Musto, Garcia, Kamakaokalani, Wood, and Pukalani Superette president Megan Nakashima serving on its board of directors. The nonprofit now works with several community partners, including Pukalani Superette, the Maui Food Bank, Oskie Rice Arena, Haleakala Ranch, Polli’s Mexican Restaurant, Kaonoulu Ranch, Common Ground Collective, Pacific Media Group, and Meadow Gold. To date, there have been six food distribution events and Musto estimates between 200 and 225 recipients have been served each time. UPCOMING DATES: June 26, 2021 August 21,2021 October 2,2021 November 13,2021 December 18, 2021 DONATE NOW The pandemic may be abating, but Musto says the need for food assistance isn’t going away anytime soon—and neither is Upcountry Strong. “This isn’t just a COVID venture,” she said. “We are in this for long haul.” For now, food is Upcountry Strong’s main focus, but Musto says the nonprofit plans to broaden its scope and assist residents in other areas of need. “Our long-term goal is to be a resource for the Upcountry community,” she said. You can help them achieve that goal by making a monetary donation in any amount or by purchasing an Upcountry Strong logo t-shirt at Pukalani Superette; all proceeds will go to the nonprofit. Logo hats are also available via the group’s Facebook page. Upcountry Strong is also seeking a grant writer and is in need of a facility—like a warehouse or storage unit, ideally in the Upcountry area—to store donations and supplies. For more information about Upcountry Strong or to inquire about donor opportunities, call Claudia Garcia at 298-9257, email claudiaonmaui@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/upcountrystrong. DONATE NOW Maui International Real Estate Services Service available in German • Italian • French • Swiss German • Portuguese • Spanish SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER WHAT WE DO CONTACT US OUR AGENTS OUR CHARITY - UPCOUNTRY STRONG Made in Maui by The Avocado Group English