Volunteers from the Big Island — West Hawaii Area Team are celebrating the record-breaking collection of 4,650 gift-filled shoeboxes that will remind children around the world they are loved and not forgotten.
The Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child, surpassed last year’s Big Island donations of shoebox gifts. The Big Island — West Hawaii Area Team thanked the Kailua-Kona community for their generous contributions already on their way to children in need worldwide. For many of these children, the shoebox gift will be the first gift they ever receive.
Although collections have finished for the season, there is still time to pack a shoebox gift online for children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement. They can also donate $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
Another way to share the gift of giving is by purchasing a $25 gift card for a family member or friend so they can join in the excitement of Operation Christmas Child by packing a shoebox online. These shoeboxes — filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys — are delivered to children in some of the hardest-to-reach countries around the world.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, call 714-432-7030 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.
KVBID seeks board applicants
The Kailua Village Business Improvement District (KVBID) is seeking eligible candidates to serve on its 17-member board of directors. Thirteen of the 17 board seats are elected by the fee simple owners and/or lessees of land within the Kailua Village Business Improvement District.
Nine board seats are opening for a two-year term and will be elected at the KVBID annual meeting in March. Six board seats are open in the fee simple owners/lessees of land category and three seats are available in the commercial tenant category.
Applicants must own or lease land within district boundaries or lease commercial space within the district.
Application: www.historickailuabillage.com. Deadline to submit is Jan. 23 to kailuavillage@gmail.com.