Most Lokahi donors never get to meet the Lokahi families they help.
For a variety of reasons most Lokahi families prefer to remain anonymous.
But, every once and a while, a family is willing to share their story.
Four year old Mikala is learning the true meaning of Christmas.
"I really am trying to teach them that this isn't about receiving, it's about giving right now and how we can help other people…how can we make things for the people that we love vs buying things," says Alisha, Lokahi recipient.
The entire family is blessed with a natural creative talent.
The kids love to draw and Mom is an artist.
This tight-knit ohana spent the last four years on the mainland but returned to Hawaii this summer without Dad to escape his abusive behavior.
Having to start over ... Mom does the best she can to make ends meet. She works full-time and doesn't receive any financial assistance. This month, however, is especially difficult financially.
"Recently my middle son got double pneumonia so he had pneumonia in one lung then he got better, got it in the other so I've missed almost three weeks of work in the last month," says Alisha
For a family living paycheck to paycheck, losing out on this much pay can be devastating.
"I shouldn't say that I'm scared because god has continuously blessed our lives since we've been here and just helped me to have faith to keep pushing forward and has always has met our needs..so I feel confident ...but it's, um the holidays is different this year," says Alisha.
Still, this mom isn't feeling sorry for herself. instead, she's thankful for her many blessings.
"I'm healthy, my kids are healthy, they're wonderful children, I have a lot , god has blessed us, we have a lot of things to be thankful for," says Alisha.
If you'd like to help this family, here is their wish list:
The four year old girl would be thrilled with art supplies.
The six year old boy loves playing with cars.
The 15 year old would love ukulele sheet music or books.
Mom says the biggest need for her right now is food.
The family could also use beds for the keiki. Used beds are ok.
