Help bring light into homeless keiki lives

“It’s hard living in the car. There’s not much space, and most nights, it’s really cold.”

Those words could be uttered from the mouth of any homeless child throughout the nation, but they were said by one of the more than 23,000 children living in substandard and homeless situations in Hawaiʻi.

“These precious children don’t have much to look forward to, and being isolated during the long school breaks isn’t easy,” wrote Project Hawaiʻi in a Dec. 10 Facebook post, the same post in which the keiki’s words were quoted.

The nonprofit — which strives to change the lives of keiki by providing a sense of stability through interactive programs including educational summer camps, school support, educational training and holiday events — has helped more than 2,000 homeless children break their cycle of poverty since it was founded in 2003.

Project Hawaiʻi is serving a record breaking 1,600 children this year on the Big Island, Maui and Oʻahu.

“Our homeless keiki are so grateful for everything we deliver,” said the nonprofit in its Facebook post, particularly during the holidays. “When Project Hawai’i elves show up … their lives change. Their eyes light up, their hearts fill with joy!!”

Project Hawai’i, however, needs your help to make those life-changing moments happen. Especially right now on the Big Island.

Because of unforeseen circumstances with a major donor, the nonprofit is falling behind on hundreds of children. It reported in an email Saturday night that a few Hilo business sponsors were unable to come through with promised sponsorships for the annual Christmas party.

And while there are only 70 keiki remaining to be sponsored this holiday season on O’ahu, the Big Island has much more.

“It’s going to take a miracle, as we have a few days left,” Project Hawai’i’s email said.

Time might be short, but hope is not.

The nonprofit is asking the Big Island community to donate to its Christmas Wish Program, which is designed to bring the wonders and joy of the holiday spirit to the unsheltered children of the islands.

“I am truly saddened to have to ask for this much support so late in the season,” said co-founder Magin Patrick. “It is because of generous people like you, these children can experience the joy and wonder of the holidays. Your involvement means the world to us — you are truly their Secret Santa!”

Christmas can become a defining moment for the keiki — an experience they remember their entire lives.

Project Hawai’i says Santa’s arrival tells them they are cared for; getting their Christmas wish builds self-worth. The Christmas Wish Program delivers the full scope of the holiday, from Santa’s gifts to filling their stockings and feeding them a nutritious holiday meal with their ’ohana.

There are several ways you can help:

• Be a Secret Santa. Choose a child to sponsor and bring the magic of Christmas alive for a homeless child.
• Fill a Stocking. Stocking are so important to the overall success of Project Hawai’i’s Christmas programs, providing activities and snacks for the long holiday break and bringing tradition to life.
• Company sponsorship. More than 2,000 children will be sleeping in a tent on Christmas Eve. Your company can be the reason they wake up to a gift from Santa.
• Feed a Family. What would the holidays be without the food? With your donation, you can assure a family has a healthy holiday meal, together.
• Sponsor a teen. Be someone’s superhero. Teens are the largest growing homeless population, and they are also more often the children not chosen at Christmas.
• Preschool sponsorship. Bring Christmas cheer to one of the 60 preschoolers Project Hawai’i sponsors. Your donation makes holiday memories every child deserves.
• Fill Santa’s Sleigh. There is no better way to bring the holiday spirit to life than helping Santa deliver presents to unsheltered keiki. Help fill his sleigh with a small donation today.

You can also help by becoming a company sponsor or volunteering to help for the Big Island Christmas Party.

“Your support can create these moments of joy for children living in the hardest conditions,” the nonprofit said in its Facebook post. “Every donation helps bring light into their lives.”

Patrick is also asking the community to pass along the message to those who might be able to donate this holiday season.

Donations will help cover the cost of gifts for a child or teen and so much more. Sponsoring a child’s meal and stocking is just $40.

To see a list of children’s names to sponsor, visit Project Hawaiʻi’s donation center online. You can also check out the other ways to donate, get involved and learn more by visiting the Project Hawaiʻi Christmas Wish Program website.

Don’t take if at the nonprofit’s word how much it helps. Just listen to the children.

“Tonight, the elves found us. They gave us presents and food, and for just a moment, everything felt normal. I didn’t feel poor or left out. I felt like I belonged, just like every other kid on Christmas.”

News reporters Kelsey Walling and Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.