Five thousand miles away in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 23 students assembled 253 Normalcy Kits to send to kids on Kaua’i who were impacted by Hurricane Lowell. The care packages come hand written inspiration cards that convey the message: “You are not alone.”
Kids4Kids Relief, a youth-led nonprofit focusing on youth mental wellness following natural disasters, provided the kit that contain age-appropriate comfort, school and hygiene supplies to help them reestablish routines and create connections.
Kids4Kids Relief was established four years ago by 13-year-olds Sam Crimaldi and Elan Randle after Hurricane Ian destroyed Randle’s family home on Fort Myers Beach and caused catastrophic damage and severe flooding in Central Florida and elsewhere.
Crimaldi’s family took in Randle. Both boys were physically okay but struggling emotionally as their parents managed the practical aftermath.
Kids4Kids Relief has responded to five hurricanes.
Crimaldi also led Ready Together with his sisters Jolie and Julianna and other young contributors. It’s a free family hurricane-preparedness and mental-wellness program covering preparation and recovery. The materials supplement, rather than replace, official Hawaiʻi guidance.
For more information, visit the Kids4Kids Hawai’i resource page.
