Christmas Donations Being Accepted for Lokahi Families

Drugs have the power to shatter homes and destroy lives...it's something Today's Lokahi family has learned the hard way. The story is all too common. Grandparents raising their grandchildren after they were abandoned by their parents for a life of drugs. In this case, Grandma and Grandpa were separated for over 15 years, but they put their differences aside and reunited to raise their five grandchildren as a team. After years of drug abuse, their daughter is now serving time in a federal prison. Grandma is a breast cancer survivor and has a host of other health issues including upper respiratory problems and high blood pressure. In her mid 60s, she admits that it's tough keeping up with the children but she wouldn't have it any other way. It broke her heart to see them living in five different foster homes. This family of 8 lives in a three bedroom house and everyone has their own chores. Grandma says after the bills are paid and food is bought there is nothing leftover for any "extras." Grandma would like clothing for her three older granddaughters, and a Dora toy and hot wheels for her two younger grandchildren. Her son, also living in the home, could use clothes or work boots. Grandma and Grandpa are only asking for laundry soap and toilet paper. Despite their financial struggles, this family seems happy and content just to have each other. If you'd like to help this family or others like this one, come on down to Ala Moana Center or Windward Mall next Saturday, Dec. 6th, from 10-4pm. Our volunteers will be accepting unwrapped gifts, check or cash donations. on Maui, we'll have a team at the Lahaina Cannery Mall, Azeka place and Queen Kaahumnau Center. We'll also have folks at Waimea center and at Prince Kuhio Plaza on the Big Island. On Kauai, we'll be at Kukui Grove Center. If you can't make it on Dec. 6th, you can always drop off a gift or a check or cash donation at any Central Pacific Bank location statewide. Starbucks is also accepting new toys and books for keiki. Or you can drop off donations at Hawaii Self Storage.