Lokahi is bringing back our 'Back 2 School' drive. The goal is to collect enough school supplies for students in need.

It doesn't take long for Kahala Elementary First Grade Teacher Carmen Ikehara to burn through her $200 allotment for school supplies. But, she's not done so, like many other dedicated educators, she taps into her personal savings.

"I spend like 3 to 4, 5 thousand a year," said Ikehara.

Education works store manager Hosanna Laulusa sees it all the time.

"Our teachers are really out there doing their jobs plus using their own personal money for the education of our kids."

Add up the pencils, paper, etcetera and for struggling local families, school supplies are out of their budget.

"I used to teach out at Waianae, Makaha and Molokai and it's hard so I usually buy extra things and there's a community box so they don't feel so bad if they don't have," said Ikehara.

Lokahi wants to help ease the burden on families and teachers. Education works is accepting school supply donations for Lokahi. So are Ben Franklin, Hawaii Self Storage, and A-American Self Storage. Or make a cash donation at any Central Pacific Bank branch. We'll round up school supplies through the end of July, and with your help, there will be more than enough to go around.

"People are going to buy that extra pen or that extra folder whatever and put it in our box. Put it for lokahi. I know they will," said Laulusa.

"By pulling together with lokahi, we can make sure all hawaii students can head back to school with the tools they need to get ahead.

As part of Lokahi's Back 2 School drive, we'll recognize outstanding teachers. For nomination forms click here.