LAHAINA, MAUI (KHON) — Nearly a year after the devastating wildfires that swept through Maui, families are grappling with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ashes.

Among them, the Leopoldino family of Lahaina is finding strength in the unexpected kindness of strangers, like the remarkable efforts of a teenager from Oahu.

The Leopoldinos lost everything when the flames ravaged their home.

Busta Leopoldino, reflecting on the tragedy, said “My mom was our family photographer, and we lost every photo. I lost childhood photos of my brother of us, growing up.” His brother died from a brain aneurysm.

The loss of sentimental items, combined with the devastation of their home, added to the weight of their grief.

But the Leopoldinos found a glimmer of hope in the form of 16-year-old Genshu Price.

Through his nonprofit, Bottles4College, Genshu recycled over 100,000 cans and donated the proceeds, totaling $7,000, to help the Leopoldinos rebuild their lives.

“I was mind blown. Yeah. He wanted to donate and help us out. It is amazing what he’s doing,” Busta Leopoldino said.

For the Leopoldinos, the act of kindness by Genshu not only provided financial support but also served as a beacon of hope in their darkest hour.

“It’s like a stuck feeling. My mind hasn’t fully decompressed and fully addressed the stress that I’ve been under,” Kapua Leopoldino said.

But, the generosity of strangers like Genshu helped ease some of their burdens and inspired them to keep moving forward.

Recycling, a practice close to the Leopoldinos’ hearts, now serves as a symbol of community support.

“My dad actually owned the recycling business previously. It’s a lot of work. It’s not easy.”

Despite the challenges ahead, the Leopoldinos remain hopeful for the future, finding joy in the simple moments, such as celebrating the first steps of their baby daughter, Aaliyah, born just one week after the wildfires.

“We have four boys and she’s our only girl,” Kapua Leopoldino said. “So, having her helps me push through it.”