'Maui rolls' and 'Aloha' Beanie Baby: How Stockton can help Maui fire victims

Angelaydet Rocha, The Stockton Record
·4 min read

As Hawaii continues to recover from the fire that tore through the historic Maui community of Lahaina two weeks ago, support continues to grow to raise money for Maui residents.

The fire has left at least 99 dead, becoming the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. That number could double or triple, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said.

Local fundraiser

Stockton's Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant has introduced the “Maui Roll.”

All proceeds from this roll through Aug. 31 will be donated to the Hawaii Community Foundation “Maui Strong” fundraiser.

“The Maui Roll is priced at $19.99, and with each order, you're embracing the spirit of community and resilience, turning every order into hope for Maui's recovery,” Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant wrote on a Facebook post.

The “Maui Roll” was introduced to the menu starting Friday, Aug. 18, and will be available through Thursday, Aug. 31 but only for dine-in and pick-up at Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant at 3249 W Hammer Lane in Stockton.

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice has a new location in Stockton. While the Maui fluffy iced treat has brought a lot of excitement and long lines to the Miracle Mile, the franchise location is just part of a bigger brand and success story out of Lahaina, Maui.

Co-owners David and Ululani Yamashiro first ever Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice location started on December 2008 in Lahaina, Maui.

Their “iconic Lahaina shop” along with their “newest Banyan Tree location” were both lost during the recent Maui wildfires. They have created a GoFundMe page to raise money. The money is for the employees and local organizations in Lahaina.

“Most of our west side staff were born and raised in Lahaina and have given us and you many good years of their lives. From our first shave ice… till our last, served on August 7th, 2023 we have delivered countless memorable experiences with this team,” Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice owners wrote on the GoFund Me page. “On Tuesday, August 8th, our employees and all Lahaina residents suffered an unprecedented and horrendous wildfire that decimated the town. They lost their homes, schools, churches, and EVERYTHING that they own.”

The goal for this fundraiser is of $150,000 with 75% of the donations going directly to help Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice employees and the rest will go to Lahaina organizations, the statement said.

To support the GoFundMe visit “Our Devastated Ululani’s Shave Ice Team Members.”

American Red Cross

An American Red Cross volunteer comforts a survivor from the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires on Maui.
An American Red Cross volunteer comforts a survivor from the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires on Maui.

Those interested in volunteering with the American Red Cross can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

For organizations and individuals who want to offer services or donations to aid in the county rescue and relief efforts, the Red Cross said information can be provided here to help organize and deploy resources.

To make a financial contribution to Red Cross relief efforts in Maui visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word HAWAII to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The Red Cross also operates a Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990.

Here are other ways you can help

  • Maui United Way fire relief fund will provide direct relief to families and nonprofits directly affected by the Maui Fire Disaster.

  • The Lahui Foundation, monetary donations are being collected and will be given directly to fire recovery efforts for impacted residents.

  • Kako‘o Maui Match Donation Fund, The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is accepting monetary donations that will support needs like shelter, food, and financial assistance. A goal of $3,000,000 is almost reached with more than $2,952,000 raised by noon Aug. 22. The council said 100% of proceeds will go toward relief efforts. Information and donations can be found here.

  • Hoʻōla Maui Fund and KS I Mua Maui Fund, there are two fundraisers by the Kamehameha Schools and the Pauahi Foundation. The Hoʻōla Maui Fund will help Maui youth at Kamehameha Schools impacted by the disasters to continue to benefit from a strong educational support system for Maui and Keiki communities. The KS I Mua Maui Fund is to help KS Maui and KS Preschools students and employees affected. “KS will match all donations up to $150,000,” the website stated. To donate visit: bit.ly/3P8GOQg.

  • The Maui Humane Society is looking for aid for pets affected by the disaster. The group is asking people to foster pets in need, give pet supplies, and provide donations. For more information visit mauihumanesociety.org/.

  • GoFundMe has verified about 600 fundraising efforts from around the nation to provide help for Maui fire victims. From verified memorial fundraisers to verified fundraisers for people affected by the wildfires.

Purchase Ty Inc. special edition Beanie Baby 'Aloha' bear

Ty Warner, owner of Ty Inc. which is known for Beanie Babies announced a new and limited-edition Beanie Baby “Aloha.” All profits made from the sales of the “Aloha” Beanie Baby will be donated to the American Red Cross, the company said in a news statement.

The “Aloha” bear will be available for purchase in the fall only at participating Ty retailers, the Ty. Inc., website stated.

Contributing to this report, N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Itzel Luna, Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY.

Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton residents can help Maui fire victims with local fundraisers