Pawnbrokers Raise Funds to Provide Ukuleles for Families on Maui A gesture of kindness to bring joy back to a community that has lost so much. Wailuku, HI – The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA), in partnership with the Hawaii Pawnbrokers Association, is proud to announce its Pawnbrokers for Maui fundraiser. The organizations are raising funds to provide 400 ukuleles to displaced families on Maui as they cope with the trauma of the recent fires. Knowing that the ukulele is a treasured part of Hawaiian culture and a staple in nearly every household, Wailuku pawnbroker, Richard Dan, reached out to the NPA with his idea of providing ukuleles. And, they got to work immediately.

The idea to provide ukuleles came about after pawnbrokers from all over the country reached out to Dan, an NPA member and President of the Hawaii Pawnbrokers Association who resides in Wailuku and owns the island’s oldest pawn store, Kamaaina Loan. He noted that no one who lives on the island was untouched by the fires.

“Many members of my pawnbroker community reached out and asked how they can help,” said Dan. “The little bit of business coming through my store has been from people wanting ukuleles. Almost everybody plays, and Maui families take comfort in making music together.”

“We are excited to partner with the Hawaii Pawnbrokers Association to host this fundraiser and give back to the community,” said Kristen Williams, Executive Director of the NPA. “We know that many people on Maui are struggling right now, and we want to do our part to help.”

The organization hopes to raise $20,000 over the next two weeks to cover the cost of 400 Ohana ukulele packs. The NPA says donations are pouring in from fellow pawnbrokers and businesses that support the pawn industry. Just days after launching the campaign, the organization has already raised $5,000.

“This is what pawnbrokers do best,” said Williams, “we support our communities and the people in them.” She calls the fundraiser “a gesture of kindness to bring joy back to a community that has lost so much.”

You can donate to the Pawnbrokers for Maui fundraiser by visiting www.NationalPawnbrokers.org/pawnbrokers-for-maui.

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About the National Pawnbrokers Association: The NPA is the national trade association for the pawn industry, representing over 10,000 pawn stores in the United States and Canada. The association works to provide pawnbrokers nationwide with resources and tools to strengthen the pawn industry. NPA members are committed to operating their businesses in such a manner as to enhance and promote the positive and professional image of all pawnbrokers. For more information about the NPA, visit nationalpawnbrokers.org.