Reading Bonds Volunteers and Kindergartners

 As you can see it was a very busy day on Thursday, September 22, as our Senior volunteers read to over 180 Kindergartners at Maryvale Primary School.  There was a lot of excitement in the air!   GO! READ Maryvale Kindergartners

Free Books for St. Lawrence Children's Clinic

KDWT ambassadors helped to deliver 100 books to the St. Lawrence Children's Clinic on Wednesday, August 31st.   The clinic has been a recipient of free books from Ohana100 for the past 2 years.  GO! READ  St. Lawrence Kids

Books For Kids @ Children's Hospital

On Wednesday August 17th volunteers visited the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo (WCHOB)- Child Life.  Over 100 books were donated to benefit the children.   Senior volunteer Sally read to one of the young patients.  GO! READ WCHOB

"Big Aloha" to the Berdysiak Family who help stamped and delivered the books!

"BIG MAHALO" TO OUR NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS

On Sunday, June 26th Ohana100 hosted a mini luau to honor dedicated local volunteers for their commitment to service this year.  CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR OHANA100 TEAM!!!

Big Aloha To Newfane Kids

Many programs in New York were preparing for end of school and our Ohana100 volunteers made sure that some children in Newfane got books to take home to read for the summer.  

On Tuesday, June 14th Newfane Elementary Kindergarteners were very excited to meet with our seniors for story time.  

Our seniors received a warm ALOHA from students at the Newfane Early Childcare Center.  Students showed their appreciation for our volunteers by wearing flower leis they made.  

GO! READ Newfane

Gift for Mommy & Baby EXPO

Ohana100 delivered baskets for the 2016 Mommy & Baby EXPO at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Niagara County.  The expo provides the Lewiston Community especially mothers and their children the opportunity to learn about the services that are available to them. GO! READ MSMH

Clinton Courtyard Reading

During a sunny afternoon on Thursday, June 9th, 2016 1st Graders at Clinton Elementary in West Seneca lounged and enjoyed reading time with Ohana100 senior volunteers in their school courtyard.  GO! READ Clinton 1st Graders

Third Graders with a VISION of Kindness

On Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 3rd Graders at Miss Vision's Class at Westminister Charter school were gifted with free books to take home for the summer.  The students helped Ohana100 to write letters for kids in Cuba about what its like to live in Buffalo.  They also helped to make book marks for kids in Sierra Leon.   Thank you Ms. Vision's 3rd Graders for making a difference! GO! READ Westminster 3rd Graders

Servicing Children in LaFargeville

On Saturday, June 4th, 2016 Ohana100 awarded Orleans Outreach Center in Jefferson County with 200 new books to gift to the children they service in the community.  The center has been operating since 1989 and functions as a food pantry and clothing room.  It is solely managed by volunteers.   KDWT Ambassadors of Catherine Mattson and Amelia Lovell helped to deliver books. 

FRONT Left to Right: Catherine Mattson- KDWT Ambassador, Donna Chatterton Pantry Manager, Boni Shafer Outreach Manager, Amelia Lovell KDWT Ambassador, BACK: Lourdes Snyder and Jackie Morley.  

Books For BUCS

For the 3rd year, Ohana100 has brought the joy of reading books to kids at  Buffalo United Charter School.  On Thursday, May 26th Ohana100 senior volunteers read to grades K & 1 and gifted books to 380 children, including the 8th grade graduating class.  GO! READ BUCS

Books Bring Kids & Senior Citizens Together

On Wednesday, May 25th Ohana100 visited the Family Help Center and gifted kids for the second year.  You can tell with the expression on some of these kids faces that these books mean something and they are eager to share it with one another.  GO! READ FHC

Big Surprise for Bolivar-Richburg Students

On Tuesday, May 3rd  volunteers traveled 2 hours south to deliver 800 books to Bolivar-Richburg Elementary School.  Every student from the school, grades PreK to 5th received a new book and over 340 gently used books were donated to help build their school library.   GO! READ Bolivar- Richburg

The GO! READ Challenge recognized 16 students for their hard work and determination in reading this year. The teachers helped to identify those students. "CONGRATULATIONS to our "GO! Readers".  KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!

To celebrate TEACHERS APPRECIATION DAY, all students cheered "THANK YOU" to all the teachers.  Kindergarteners were treated to story time with our senior volunteer. The kids enjoyed the stories and were great listeners.  GO! READ Kindergartners

Spring Books to Lewiston & Shakespeare Books to Buffalo

On Wednesday, April 20th KDWT Ambassadors helped to distribute over 500 books for the Mount St. Mary's Hospital Mommy & Baby Expo and for the children born at the hospital.  The volunteers were treated to a tour of the newly renovated Maternity and Lactation Unit.  The dedicated and caring staff works hard to make sure that each mother and child have a comfortable and nurturing experience.  Ohana100 is appreciative of this partnership and especially being able to help a mother and child get an early head start on reading. GO! READ MOUNT ST. MARY'

http://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2016/04/22/124418/mount-st.-marys-hospital-for-the-children

https://www.facebook.com/msmhcenterforwomen/

Another event on April 23rd Ohana100 awarded Peace of the City Shakespeare books, for their at-risk youth theater program that services kids on Buffalos West Side.  GO! READ Peace Of The City

Seniors Enjoy Reading to Kids at Green Acres

On Thursday, April 21st our senior volunteers read and distributed books to children at Green Acres School, a program of the Heritage Center.   The children were very good listeners.  It is always a wonderful experience for our seniors to be able to read and engage with students in our community. GO! READ GREEN ACRES

1st Literacy Fair at Clinton Elementary

On Friday March 10th, Clinton Elementary had their first Literacy Fair for Kindergarteners.  There were reading corners, craft tables, board games, computers activities and also free books for each of the student to take home.  Congratulations Amanda on a successful event.  GO! READ Clinton

Giving Big in Holley Community

On Tuesday, March 8th Holley Elementary preschoolers and kindergarteners were able to take home a book, just in time for spring break.  There was not time to waste as some students delved right into their book.

There was so much excitement for the youngest of children at the Agri-Business Child Development (ABCD) Program.  ABCD provides a variety of services for migrant, seasonal and local agricultural workers and their families (in Cayuga, Chatauqua, Columbia, Dutches, Erie, Genesee, Greene, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Seneca, Ulster, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates Counties).   GO! READ Holley

Books for kids in the Delevan Community

On Tuesday, February 2nd Ohana100 traveled south to the Delevan Community in Cattaraugus County to read and gift books to kids.  After a good meal, the kids at Delevant Head Start were treated to a wonderful story with volunteer Ms. Anna.  Then we visited students in grades K and 1 at Delevan Elementary School. The books made it in time for the Winter Break. GO! READ Delevan

Kids from Salamanca Head Start wanted to say THANK YOU in a special way.

A Family Night Success at Westminster

On January 26th students from Westminster Charter School received books from Ohana100 to help with their Family Reading Night. The books helped to encourage reading and to increase family participation in school and at home.  GO! READ Westminster

NEW YORK: 2015 Highlights

THE YEAR 2015 BROUGHT LOTS OF SMILING FACES TO MANY CHILDREN IN HAWAII AND NEW YORK WHO WENT HOME WITH THEIR VERY OWN NEW BOOK!!! THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR BELIEVING IN OUR MISSION AND FOR BEING PART OF OUR OHANA100 TEAM!!!

DECEMBER 2015

Happy Holidays From our Family to Yours!!

Giving Big To Buffalo Schools & Southtown YMCA Programs

This time of the year Ohana100 shared the joy of giving to several programs in WNY.  On Monday, December 7th at Tapestry Charter School was awarded books for Grades K thru 4th.  The kids were very appreciated and excited about having their book!  As you can see, some kindergarteners from Ms. Lanighan were very eager to get into their book.  A special "Thank You" to Ms. Jessica for making this event possible and for spreading the joy of reading.  GO! READ Tapestry

Oooohhhhhhh.... excitement was in the air as kids entered the room and saw so many books!!!  The best thing of all, was that each child got to hold their very own book. On Tuesday, December 8th we visited PS99 Stanley M. Makowski Early Childhood Center where the entire Pre K & K students received a free book!!!  This was a very special day for those who got a book for the very first time.  GO! READ PS99 Makowski

"Ohana" sounded very familiar to kids at Enterprise Charter School.  Most have heard it from the show Lilo & Stitch..."Ohana means family and family means, nobody gets left behind."  On Wednesday, December 9th the entire Grades K thru 2nd received a book. Thanks to Mr. Starr for your support. GO! READ Enterprise

KDWT Ambassador traveled south (2 hours) to Olean for the final distribution of the week.  The YMCA of the Twin Tiers kids will benefit from the 1,480 gently used books and 223 new books for the preschoolers.  Thank you to GS Troop 3128 for working hard to collected books in your community to benefit Olean Kids and Thank you to KDWT for raising funds for new books.  Keep up the great work! YOU ROCK!

The YMCA services Olean Schools (East View EL, Washington West EL, Allegany-Limestone EL) in Cattaraugus and Wellsville Central Schools in Allegany counties. GO! READ Twin Tier YMCA

2015 Joyful Giving 

This was the holiday season of giving. In early Fall KDWT Ambassadors started a recycling campaign by delivering flyers in the community. They collected newspapers and old rags for the Erie County SPCA, as well gently used books that will help to build libraries and benefit those in need.  KDWT delivered all recyclable goods to the SPCA on December 6th.  

KDWT Ambassadors collected over 500 gently used books to help build libraries throughout WNY.  It's also KDWT's second year adopting a family through the Clarence Food Pantry.  Thanks to Jim Owens for helping us bring the Joy of the Holiday Season to families in need.  And finally, KDWT celebrated the year making ornaments, decorating cookies, watching a holiday movie and enjoyed each others company!  Thanks to all our family, friends and neighbors who helped to support our efforts in the community this year!!! 

NOVEMBER 2015

FRIENDS PROMOTING LITERACY IN WNY

GS Troop 3128 Nativity of Our Lord School in Orchard Park New York donated 1,631 gently used to Ohana100 GO! READ project.  These books will help to build libraries and support programs that are in need of books for their children in communities across WNY.  Keep up the great work and GO! READ GS Troop 3128

Monkey See Monkey Do hosted the 1st WNY Children's Book Expo in WNY, spearheaded by Kim Krug & Kathleen Skoog, and supported by their MSMD "Amazing" Staff".  The event featured over 30 children authors and wonderful activities for all to enjoy. Ohana100 donated 1,100 books to help promote literacy and kids who attended this event were able to receive a free book.  Thank you MSMD for hosting an amazing event!!!! We look forward to next year!!!!  GO! READ MSMD

KDWT Honors Veterans

On Wednesday, November 11th KDWT Ambassadors attended a Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary 838 of Clarence (established in 10/1947).  The event was held at the Clarence Town House.  We were greeted by our dear friend and WWII Combat Veteran Mr. Harold Enstice and wife Rosemary.  It was a special day honoring Veterans and remembering Clarence residents who lost their lives as well those who are missing.  To honor and pay tribute to our Veterans, KDWT made special cupcakes and cards for all veterans.  

Treats for Kindergarteners @ Maryvale EL

After r  On November 5th, Kindergarteners at Maryvale Primary School were treated with wonderful stories read by volunteers from the Clarence Senior Center.  There were five reading areas in the gymnasium .  After reading time, all 161 kindergartners lined up to get a book.  Thank you to our special volunteers for helping out this day! GO! READ Maryvale  

OCTOBER 2015

Eastern Hills Sunrise Rotary Supports Ohana100

On Saturday, October 3rd runners participated in the 7th Annual Flight 3407 Memorial Race in Clarence, New York that paid tribute to the victims who lost their lives on February 12, 2009.  A portion of the proceeds went to the Eastern hills Sunrise Rotary Foundation who in turn awarded Ohana100 with the generous donation to continue work in promotingliteracy throughout Western New York.  VISIT:   http://flight3407race.com

On behalf of Ohana100, we would like to thank the Eastern Hills Sunrise Rotary Foundation for their generous support of our mission over the years. 

SEPTEMBER 2015   

Scarecrows, Pumpkins & Free Books

On Saturday, September 26th Ohana100 volunteers from the Senior Center and KDWT promoted literacy at the Clarence Hollow Scarecrow Festival in Clarence, NY.   Kids who presented their summer reading log or participated in the pumpkin decorating contest received a free book. Kids who presented their summer reading log or participated in the pumpkin decorating contest received a free book.  Thank you to all who participated!  GO! READ

Akron Pre Schoolers Gets Free Books

On Tuesday, September 22nd preschoolers at the Holly Cross Head Start Program in Akron, NY received books of their very own.  This child wasted no time getting into his new book.

JULY 2015   

KDWT ambassadors read books to kids as part of giving stories to kids at the children's hospital.  A DVD was presented to the Women's & Children's Hospital of Buffalo for the kids who are not able to connect with the general public. 

JUNE 2015

SUPPORTING PROGRAMS WE CARE ABOUT

As part of the Ohana100 GO! READ project, KDWT Ambassadors distributed over 1,400 books to programs in WNY servicing children in need during the month of June 2015.  Recipients of the Spring BOOK GIVING were

Family Help Center, Family Justice Center, Mrs. Strauss Class @ Harris Hill Elementary,  New York State School For The Blind, Niagara County Head Start Program* (*North Tonawanda, Donovan, DiFrancesco, Newfane & Lockport Centers), Orchard Park Recreation Center, Orleans Outreach Program, Vive La Casa- Jericho Road,  Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo.  KDWT members were fortunate to designate six organizations that do meaningful things to help support children in our community.  Great Job KDWT Ambassadors!  

https://www.kaleidahealth.org/kyi/news/?i=6151

Books Helped To Build A Library

KDWT AMbassadors donated new and gently used books to help start the VIVE LA CASA's Library. VIVE LA CASA is a refugee center in Buffalo, NY.

HONORING OUR VOLUNTEERS

Ohana100 honors KDWT AMBASSADORS for their service in the Western New York communities. Since 2013, KDWT has completed over 36 service projects, completed over 360 cumulative service hours, donated over 1,200 gently used books, distributed over 1,200 new books, donated shoes and socks abroad, provided support and companionship to Senior Citizens, jump-started a refugee center library, honored active military and veterans & SO MUCH MORE!!!  We are so proud of you!  AMAZING WORK KDWT Ambassadors!!!!!!! Continue to Make A Difference in the communities you serve!!!  

KDWT shares the joy of giving by supporting community organizations with gifts, celebrating national holidays and special events  like Flag Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day.

KDWT Ambassadors celebrated Flag Day and also adopted an active duty unit who is currently deployed overseas.  KDWT had a candy exchange during National Candy Month in June, where members shared their favorite candy and they also collected candies and shipped them to Unit 61239.  In June, KDWT ambassadors celebrated Father’s Day by preparing cards and special notes. They also made special key chains for dad!

MAY 2015

In May, KDWT ambassadors celebrated mothers and wanted to wish them all well on this special day!

APRIL 2015

In April 2015,  KDWT donated a basket to the Clarence Senior Center for their 7th Annual Basket Raffle to benefit Meals On Wheels.

MARCH 2015   

SENIORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A VERY BIG WAY

NATIONAL READING MONTH: To celebrate National Reading Month and to promote literacy, the Clarence Senior Center  partnered with Ohana100 for the GO! READ project. Seniors were “BOOKWORM BUDDIES” to 241 kids at Buffalo United Charter School in Buffalo, NY. Thursday, March 19, 2015

 Thank you Seniors for MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE!!!

FEBRUARY 2015   

CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY AND CHINESE NEW YEAR

KDWT Celebrates Valentines Day by visiting seniors during the month of February.

KDWT members visited 20 seniors at the Amherst Senior Center to celebrate Valentine's Day in 2015. They sang along with the Karaoke, played their musical instruments and distributed special personalized Valentine cards and cupcakes. It was a very special moment for one particular senior who expressed a lot of emotion and wanted a hug from the members. Thank you to Ms. Karen, Mr. Matt and the center staff for allowing us this opportunity to spend time with your seniors

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY!!!!  KDWT Ambassadors celebrated Chines New Year with 30 seniors at the Heathwood Assisted Living Center.  They played Chinese Bingo, sang along with seniors and played their musical instruments.  The seniors also had the opportunity to pop their own faux firecracker.  The kids shared their valentine cards and cupcakes to. It was a very special day for everyone!

JANUARY 2015   

Reading To Children on MLK Day

KDWT Ambassador Catherine spent her MLK Holiday reading to 21 children at the YMCA Twin Tiers Early Head Start Program in Olean, NY Monday, January 19, 2015- MLK DAY.