The sound of cheerful jingle bells filled the air as Kamehameha Maui’s National Honor Society once again rang bells for charity at the Maui Lani Safeway Friday, Dec. 16 to raise money for the Salvation Army.

“At the end of the night, that container was filled. We were able to help raise all the money for a good cause. Knowing we were able to give just a little of our time to help others is really satisfying,” said Kayla Nitta, NHS president.

The Salvation Army is an international organization that provides assistance to those in need. They are actively involved in social services such as feeding the hungry, assisting disaster victims, and providing assistance for the disabled, the elderly and ill, and the homeless.

For this event, there were two shifts. The juniors worked the first shift from 5-7 p.m. , and seniors took the second shift from 7-9 p.m. The shifts were separated by class because there was a competition between the two grade levels to see who could raise the most money. The winners would get a break from their club obligations next quarter. 

“I enjoyed dancing to the songs and having a good time raising money,” junior Melinda Lee said. 

The students brought the spirit of Christmas to the store as they danced and sang along with music. The positive atmosphere seemed to attract customers and some even danced along too.

“It is important to help those in need because they have less opportunities, and not everyone is as fortunate as [others] are,” senior Taylor Ching said.

Throughout the four hours the National Honors Society spent at Safeway, they raised approximately $200, and the juniors “won” the competition to bring in the most donations. Although there was a reward at stake, many just spent the night with a joyful outlook, hoping to raise as much money as they could for a good cause.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Photo by Riann Fujihara

Juniors sing along to the Christmas music to attract customers.