Thank you to Alma Tassi of RAM for the wonderful write up of our 25th Anniversary of our Toy Drive!

By Alma Tassi on 12/11/2024

Bob, Clint, and Donna Hansen (Maui Luxury Real Estate LLC)

When Donna Hansen started a toy drive over two decades ago at a holiday luncheon with a

small group of ladies, she had no idea what it would become. Now celebrating their 25th

anniversary, Bob, Donna, and Clint Hansen of Maui Luxury Real Estate LLC are kicking off

their annual toy drive for the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui (FCJC Maui).

Donna shares, “FCJC Maui supports those children who have faced severe trauma

including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, often living in neglectful or broken homes

where mental health challenges become prevalent.” FCJC Maui is a nonprofit organization

relying entirely on community support and is dedicated to providing essential services

including dental, medical, and mental health support.

During the holidays, FCJC Maui ensures all the kids they serve receive a gift and the

Hansen’s toy drive is a key driver of donations. Executive Director of FCJC Maui Paul

Tonneson says, “Since 1999 Donna Hansen and her ‘ohana, have provided thousands of

Christmas gifts to children in need in Maui County. The children who receive Christmas

gifts all come from low-income families, some are homeless, and many of them are in

foster care because they have been abused or neglected in the past.”

In 2023, the drive raised $40,000 and FCJC Maui provided over 2,200 gifts. Tonneson

continues, “Without their kindness and generosity year after year, we would not be able to

meet the overwhelming demand for gifts during the holidays.”

Donna admits it will be tough to replicate last year’s success with so many struggling on

the island. “It’s been a hard year for everyone, but a donation doesn’t have to be something

to be big. A small toy or even $5. It tells these kids that people care about them.” All

donations are given to Maui County children, including Molokai and Lanai.

The Hansens kick off their toy drive at a private holiday party on the first Friday in

December. It’s an opportunity to “get in the spirit of giving” and remind guests to support

these children and show them they are not forgotten. Everyone in the Hansen family gets

involved from the entertainment to the catering. They receive everything from bicycles,

skateboards, and instruments to dolls and smaller items. Even guests who can’t make the

event, still manage to drop off a check or toy later.

Year after year, the generosity blows Donna away. “It’s such a joy—when you look at the

toys and you see the magic of the toys and giving.” Toys, gift cards, and donations are being

accepted at the Maui Luxury Real Estate office at the Wailea Town Center, Suite A-106. Call

808-283-9456 to set up an appointment or schedule a pick-up. Checks can be made

payable to FCJC Maui and sent to The Hansens, P. O. Box 294, Kihei HI 96753. For more

information about FCJC Maui, visit mauicjc.org.