ROTARY HOSTS SECRET ANGEL EVENT FOR KA HALE A KE OLA CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
On the Monday before Christmas, families and children at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center had the chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a holiday lunch, and receive personalized gifts. The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset organized the Secret Angel project, fulfilling wish lists for 83 children that were provided by Misty Bannister, the center’s Children’s Services Coordinator.
The event was supported by major donor sponsorships from the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise, Lahaina United Methodist Church, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and the Lahainaluna High School Interact Club through a grant from Maui United Way. Each child received personalized gifts and had the opportunity to participate in a family photo session with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Additionally, each family was provided with gift cards for Walmart and Safeway. Following the distribution of gifts, a holiday lunch was generously provided by Liz and Phil May along with 5A Rent-A-Space.
To quote Misty Bannister, Children’s Services Coordinator: “The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset continues to share such an abundance of love and care to our keiki and families who are surviving homelessness and unfortunately, many other layers of difficult life circumstances. They have brought in so much joy to the children and the families by inviting Mr. and Mrs. Claus who passed out gifts hand-picked just for them and provided a delicious lunch for the entire shelter. We are so grateful to have a friendship with the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, they are family and we love them so much!”
PHOTO ID (PC Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset)
Mr. and Mrs. Claus are pictured with members of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, who participated as “elves” in the Secret Angel project.