Community Caravan Spreads Aloha to Kauai’s First Responders
On Tuesday October 28, 2025, North Shore Give marked National First Responders Day with a gratitude caravan that visited multiple first-responder stations across the North Shore and Līhu‘e region of Kauaʻi. The effort aimed to personally recognize fire, police and medical personnel for their service.
Personal-touch outreach
The caravan’s stops included the new American Medical Response (AMR) Hanalei station, the joint fire and police Hanalei station, the AMR Kīlauea station, the Kauaʻi Fire Department Kaiākea Station, plus the county headquarters of the police, fire and emergency-management agencies in Līhu‘e.
At each location, the North Shore Give donated custom T-shirts designed Born Kauai, a local shirt provider operated by the family of Captain Jeremie Makepa (KFD Kaiākea), along with treat boxes containing banana bread and snickerdoodle cookies baked by April McGinnis of April’s Aloha Cakes.
First-responder reaction
Paramedic Peter Beemer (AMR Hanalei) said the visit “made our day … we are very grateful.” At the police headquarters, Public Information Officer Tiana Victorino described the surprise as “incredibly thoughtful.” Deputy Chief Roger Wayne Mills II (KFD) said the visit underscored the fact that while “we do not serve for recognition … today we feel it and we really appreciate it.”
Organization’s gratitude
North Shore Give president Stefan Swanepoel stated: “They don’t win trophies, but they have won our hearts and gratitude for stepping up when we need them the most.” Executive-director Maylette Garces emphasised the event was “our way of showing up for them with gratitude and aloha” for their daily service under “tough and unpredictable conditions.”
Why it matters
By bringing a visible show of appreciation directly to first-responder stations, North Shore Give reinforced community connection and support for those who serve. This outreach aligns with the organisation’s broader mission of strengthening the North Shore community through meaningful engagement.
For more on North Shore Give’s initiatives or volunteer opportunities, visit their official website.
