Posts: 294
Threads: 20
Joined: Aug 2009
I know there are a lot of family's in need, especially in the Puna area and I do not think any child should have to wake up on Christmas Day without presents under the tree or food on their table.
Do you know where I can find a child's Christmas list that is in need or a family that I could "adopt" for the holiday and buy them dinner?
I would just like to give back a little and I am not sure where to find this information but I figured this site has a lot of great knowledge to share so here I am asking.
I am not interested in giving to the United Way, Red Cross, etc. I want to know specifically where my money or presents are going. I might even get to know the family that I am helping. It can also be something that is completely anonymous as well.
Any ideas or suggestions share here or email me via PunaWeb.
Mahalo and Merry Christmas (Mele Kalikimaka)!
Posts: 8,459
Threads: 1,032
Joined: May 2003
I suggest you talk to some staff or the principal of Pahoa Elementary.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 294
Threads: 20
Joined: Aug 2009
Thanks Rob that's a great idea. I will give them a ring tomorrow. Carey, thank you for the links I will take a look at them as well.
Posts: 8,459
Threads: 1,032
Joined: May 2003
Merry Christmas to you. It sounds like a wonderful idea.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 294
Threads: 20
Joined: Aug 2009
The Pahoa Elementary School was a wonderful idea! I spoke with Anna and she said they have several children that are homeless and would be happy with just underwear, jackets and non perishable food. I also asked her if she could provide a list of potential toys the children might like.
I wouldn't say I was poor growing up as we didn't lack basic necessities but I remember I would much rather have had a toy under the Christmas tree than the underwear and clothing that we always got but I did appreciate the presents. Although I know the children do need clothing I am sure it will make their Christmas a little more special with some toys thrown in along with the clothing.
Below is the list that Anna provided to me if anyone is interested in donating any type of items. The last day of school before Christmas break is December 20th so if you are interested in donating anything it would be a great help if you could have the items to the school by December 19th. Anna can be reached at 965-2141 prompt number 5.
Boys Underwear, Boys jeans Size 6 to 12
Girls Underwear, Girls jeans Size 6 to 12
Boys Jackets Size 6 to 12
Girls Jackets Size 6 to 12
Boys shoes, socks Size 6 to 12
Girls shoes, socks Size 6 to 12
Some Girl toys:
Hello Kitty board games
Craft sets
Puzzles
Jewelry making sets
Barbie Dolls
Minnie Mouse Items
Some boy toys:
Ninja Turtle Figurines
Matell power wheels
Puzzles
Board Games
Some non-perishable food:
Saimin
Cookies/Crackers
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Christmas candy
Posts: 75
Threads: 22
Joined: Sep 2013
Kudos to you Hawaii Bound
Posts: 8,459
Threads: 1,032
Joined: May 2003
I think you are launching something really fine. This just may have to become an annual Punaweb effort. I'll be doing some shopping tomorrow and will take the list with me.
I encourage all Punawebbers to join in.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 76
Threads: 4
Joined: Sep 2013
I am not on island right now, but I heartily second contacting the local schools over other agencies. Schools always seem to have efforts in place to aid families during the holidays. I would LOVE to participate in a larger Puna/island effort next year when we are back in paradise.
A thought: the school I am student teaching in organizes a "holiday giving store". It works great. Clothes, books, and educational toys are set up much like a shop, and needy families and parents can come to "shop" (no money is exchanged; all goods are donated) for their kids. It gives the families the opportunity to shop for their kids in a setting that removes the 'welfare' aspect of holiday donating, and though linked to school, is not AT school. Efforts are in place to preserve family dignity and keep kids unaware that their parents are gifting from charity. There are also separate, simultaneous coordinations of food and meal donations with individual families.
Whatever your religious affiliations (and feelings about consumerism), no child should feel without during this time of year.
Posts: 493
Threads: 82
Joined: Mar 2013
Yes, I agree. Great thinking. Should I drop things off with this Anna? In Fairbanks we had a Santas Clearinghouse where families would leave wish lists, everything was donated, gifts wrapped and volunteers drove presents to each home. It was so popular and well established (and maybe I was always running late) that I never delivered on the run....
