Tis the Season to Be Giving

Generous donors have touched the lives of many families in need through our Lokahi giving project. From time to time our donors get to meet those families, and you can be sure it is a touching moment for everyone involved. Christmas will be a much brighter one for the Kinjans , thanks to some Central Pacific Bank workers who adopted the family from Waipahu. Jefferson is a 14-month old boy who's been through a lot already. Diagnosed with a congenital heart condition when he was two months old, he's had surgery and taken all types of medication. Mom calls him a miracle baby. And full of energy. Donors were thrilled to see Jefferson's face light up with each present that came his way. Lokahi donor, Eric Yee says, "You really can feel the genuine thankfulness even though Jefferson may not be able to say it now, just through his eyes and through his actions, you can tell he's really excited. It makes me feel great." The Kinjans are raising three children of their own plus one niece. There are seven of them living in a one-bedroom apartment. Another Lokahi donor, Thuy Nguyen-Martines says, "We wanted to help them and especially when we read about Jefferson's story. About what he went through, his surgeries and such that we really wanted to help them." This group of donors actually adopted four Lokahi families this year, the most they have ever adopted. They pooled the money they would have used to buy Christmas presents for each other. Then they held a two-day white elephant sale at the office to raise even more money. It was an effort that really paid off once they met the Kinjans, who are very grateful.