Area Nonprofit Offers Good Food, Fun For Leeward Shelters

About 130 employees from Hawaiian Electric Co. volunteered with the nonprofit Ohana and Friends of West Oahu to create a festive holiday for guests at the annual Keiki Christmas program. Also in attendance were community liaison Patty Teruya and City Council Chairman Ernie Martin (center flashing shaka). Photo from Sharon Higa.

In the week leading up to Christmas, more than 1,000 people from various area shelters gathered at Paradise Cove, where they were treated to a hot lunch, live entertainment, goodie bags and activities — along with a gift-wrapped toy for each child.

It all was made possible by local nonprofit Ohana and Friends of West Oahu.

“We know the holidays can be especially difficult for families who are economically challenged, and more so for the children,” stated Patty Kahanamoku Teruya, community liaison for Ohana and Friends of West Oahu. “Our annual Keiki Christmas program is made possible through the generous donations and partnerships with businesses, community and volunteers.”

The nonprofit has been presenting the event each holiday season since 1987 — when it launched the outreach at Ma‘ili Beach Park. The program targets families who are staying in shelters from Kalaeloa to Waianae.

Ohana and Friends partnered with volunteers from Hawaiian Electric, Pioneer DuPont, Waianae Lions Club, the Office of Kymberly Pine and Makana A Ke Akua, as well as neighborhood boards and individual residents.

“Good food, good fun and nice venue,” stated a man who attended the event with his wife and two children. “This is great for the kids, and we really appreciate it.”

For more information about Ohana and Friends of West Oahu or to make a donation, call 723-9161 or email Teruya at pattyteruya@gmail.com.