Lokahi Giving Project

Generating Santa Dollars For Lokahi

By Tannya Joaquin


We got a glimpse of luxury Christmas presents yesterday.

On Wednesday, two Hawai’i businesses prove when it comes to giving back, every dollar counts.

7-11 Hawai’i is ringing in Christmas with Santa, bringing in money for Lokahi with the return of Santa dollars.

Store Manager Marjorie Wells said, “This is the 2nd year 7-11 has exclusive rights to sell the Santa dollar. It's only 7-11 and only in Hawai’i.”

It's an actual dollar bill, with Santa's face instead of George Washington's.

Every year the design of the card changes, according to Wells. It becomes a collector item. The stocking stuffer sells for $2.50, with proceeds going to Lokahi.

“Gift for people on your list and also help people who are need this season,” she said. 7-11 stores have sold 6,000 so far and hope to sell 4,000 more by the end of the year.

Ben Franklin crafts stores are also getting into the Christmas spirit by selling $1 Lokahi cards, raising money for struggling families.

The manager of Ben Franklin said, “Our cashiers ask our crafters if they'd like to donate to Lokahi and they were more than willing to donate.”

Each card can be personalized with messages like give love, or a simple smiley face. This one's even signed by Santa.

It didn't take long for their tree to fill up, and the cards had to be hung on the walls.

“The cards kept growing. It was real exciting to meet the different challenges we had each day, just to get that money and be able to give back,” Ben Franklin store manager said.

Ben Franklin raised $6,000 for Lokahi in 2006.

“We raised $7,500 this year between 6 stores,” they said.

Each and every dollar adds up, giving Lokahi the means to make this a special Christmas for so many more families.


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