Maui Fire
In August 2023, Maui faced the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history. Driven by hurricane-force winds and drought conditions, the fires devastated communities—most severely the historic town of Lahaina—destroying nearly 2,200 buildings, damaging more than 3,000 homes, and displacing an estimated 12,000 residents. At least 102 lives were lost, and countless families were left grieving and uprooted. The total cost of the catastrophe is estimated at $5.5 billion, with insured losses around $3.2 billion, and billions more needed for long-term recovery. Beyond the physical destruction, the fires left deep emotional and cultural scars, disrupting livelihoods and erasing cherished heritage. Recovery will take years, but with sustained compassion and collective action, hope and resilience can rise from the ashes.​
From that devastation, kindness and compassion emerged. LifeSanta / Commit 2 Kindness partnered with local churches, fellow nonprofits—including Mercury One—and community members to bring light and comfort to survivors.
Mele Kalikimaka Maui
One of the most meaningful efforts was participating in a community Christmas celebration for displaced children and families. The event featured a local-style breakfast, live entertainment, and a special visit from Kana Kaloka—Hawaiian Santa Claus—who spread joy and cultural warmth. Over 1,000 children received Christmas gifts, ensuring that even in the midst of hardship, the spirit of the season was alive. For this effort, $50,000 was raised and devoted entirely to providing for the children, making the holiday one of hope and joy in a time of great loss.
Hale Sweet Hale
In the wake of the Maui wildfires, LifeSanta / Commit 2 Kindness recognized the urgent need for safe, stable housing for families who had lost everything. Through the generosity of donors and partners, we raised and invested approximately $398,000 to provide lasting relief. This effort made possible the construction of eight fully equipped tiny homes, each offering shelter and dignity to a displaced family.
Beyond building the homes themselves, we ensured they were livable and welcoming by providing essential home goods—towels, bedding, cookware, dishes, and other daily necessities—along with furnishings such as beds, tables, and chairs. Each home was also outfitted with small appliances, including refrigerators and microwaves, giving families the ability to cook, gather, and begin restoring a sense of normalcy.
This initiative not only housed eight families, but also symbolized hope and renewal: proof that kindness, when put into action, can create foundations for new beginnings.
Still a Need
Even two years after the Maui wildfires, many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives and restore a sense of normalcy. Too often, these survivors feel overlooked or forgotten as the world’s attention has shifted elsewhere. LifeSanta / Commit 2 Kindness has remained steadfast in walking alongside them, ensuring that compassion continues long after the headlines fade.
We have provided assistance to 21 families—108 individuals in total—who are still working to recover from the devastation. Our support has focused on restoring dignity and meeting essential needs: supplying home goods such as bedding, towels, and cookware; small appliances like refrigerators and microwaves; and furnishings including tables, chairs, and beds. For those with special challenges, we also provided medical and mobility devices, enabling greater independence and improving quality of life.
This work is about more than material relief—it is about reminding families that they are not alone, not forgotten, and that kindness continues to surround them as they rebuild. By addressing practical needs with compassion, we help survivors reclaim stability, security, and hope for the future.
