Toy donations and volunteers are desperately needed for a "Toys for Tots" event at the Waianae Civic Center emergency homeless shelter on Dec. 6, 2008 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This is a call to all musicians, magicians, or experts at making balloon animals. The Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club is looking for people like you – individuals or groups to volunteer their time to help entertain and make it a special night for the 137 keiki who call the shelter – known as Pai'olu Kaialulu – home. Organizers are hoping to get a large inflatable jumping castle for the children to play in and provide them with game booths. Any and all donations that can help to make this possible are greatly needed and would bring holiday cheer to many children who don't have much.
Opening its doors in 2007, Pai'olu Kaialulu was Hawaii's first around-the-clock emergency shelter in Hawaii, taking in a growing number of citizens with no place to stay. Hundreds of families and children have entered the shelter since its opening on March 1, 2007.
Of the 137 children living in the homeless shelter today, 64 are female and 75 are male. A variety of toys or gift certificates are needed for children of all ages. The following is a breakdown of the children according to gender and age group: Newborn-2 years old – Female (16), Male (26); 3-5 years old – Female (17), Male (12); 6-8 years – Female (11), Male (12); 9-11 years – Female (9), Male (14); 12-14 years – Female (6), Male (5); 15-17 years – Female (5), Male (6).
"There are so many children and families in need this year. The families at Pai'olu Kaiaulu are just one step away from being homeless. I applaud Rep. Jerry Chang and his fellow Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club members for hosting this most worthwhile "Toys for Tots" event in Waianae. I hope the community will come out to support the event by donating their services and toys," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (District 45 – Waianae, Makaha, Makua).
"Toys for Tots" drop boxes can be found at Kaneohe Physical Therapy, Ewa Beach Physical Therapy, Wahiawa Physical Therapy, Kapalama Pet Hospital, Marcus and Associates Realty, Bishop Square Towers, USA Baby in Waipahu and Nimitz, Baby Emporium in Honolulu, Andy's Bike Shop, Island Air, Kailua Pool and Spa, Island Pool and Spa Supplies, Progressive Auto Sounds, and Coordinated Wire Rope (CWR) of Hawaii in the Kalihi industrial area. All toys placed in these boxes will go to the children of the Waianae homeless shelter, Shriners Hospital, and Kapiolani Medical Center.
Anyone interested in donating their time, money, talents and/or toys should call Michael Panzo at 457-6955.
If you are looking for a way to serve, but you hate leaving the computer, check out 10000strong.org. Its a place where you can go to get inspired, tell your story, and donate to the cause. Do your part this MLK day and visit 10000strong.org -- There is no excuse for hunger, help to fight it!
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