The Christmas cheer was heavy in the air Thursday as more than 250 Hawaii Island youth were treated to a party featuring food, games, gifts and a visit from Santa Claus.
Project Hawaii, a volunteer-staffed nonprofit, brought back its 20th annual Big Island Christmas Party for underprivileged youth after facilitating a drive-through event for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Magin Patrick, co-founder of Project Hawaii, and volunteers came together to decorate the Arc of Hilo, which hosted the event for the first time, and wrap gifts for kids ranging in age from infancy to 17 years old.
“We are so excited that we are able to have a real party on our 20th year and create this magical feeling again for so many families,” Patrick said. “There are families that have been with us for a long time and some that are joining for the very first time, and it’s going to be special for all of them.”
One of the biggest perks of coming to the party for keiki was meeting Santa Claus. This year was even more special, because a former Project Hawaii participant took on the role.
Kris, 19, started attending Project Hawaii’s programs at age 5, continuing to participate in the organization throughout his youth via the annual Christmas party and summer camp.
It took him a while to start enjoying his time, especially at the summer camp, but he eventually started loving it and became a leader for others.
“I went from being a camper, to a junior leader, to a teen leader, to a teen mentor,” Kris said. “(The program) guided me through leadership and helped me learn how to guide others in the right direction, too.”
In 2022, Kris graduated from Waiakea High School as a shot put champ and is now attending college as a Hawaiian Studies major.
After Patrick asked Kris to be this year’s Santa Claus, it didn’t take long for him to say yes, as he thought about his experiences sitting on Santa’s lap as a little kid and receiving a gift each year.
“For me, this party is important because so many families don’t have the leeway to have a party for Christmas, or have presents to give kids every year,” Kris said. “It’s a good chance for kids to get something, have fun, and not worry about their other worries while they are here.”
Kris’ mother, Lisa, also attended the party to help out with anything needed and to watch her son put smiles on kids’ faces throughout the evening.
“What I’ve realized is that circumstances are so hard that one little thing can back everything up. Even with jobs, everything is expensive and holidays make it harder,” Lisa said. “These events and organizations that spend time helping people, they mean a lot. Every little thing helps and it can be a relief.”
Patrick was proud to see Kris sit on the stage as Santa Claus after watching his family learn and grow together for over a decade.
“People ask me how I know what we do works because you can’t always see it. But sometimes — even after 18 years — you can see it,” Patrick said. “We don’t visit kids once a year, we work with them throughout many years to help them succeed.”
This year, about 54 families attended the party where everyone received a hot dinner and every keiki got a gift from Santa. Project Hawaii also provided hygiene bags, books and “stockings” full of goodies. Volunteers facilitated arts and crafts, activities and games with plenty of prizes to be won.
“We are so excited to bring back the Christmas cheer for an in-person party for the first time in a while,” said co-founder Cliff Kama. “The party itself means so much to these kids who have such different lifestyles. I mean it gives them something that they did not think they would have, which is just getting a gift from Santa.”
Jen Davis began volunteering at the Big Island Christmas Party about 10 years ago and has come back every year to support Patrick and to see the joy from all the kids she meets.
“I love coming back every year and handing out the presents, because then I get to meet every kid and see them smile and their excitement of it all. They have so much happiness and gratitude,” Davis said. “I also love watching Magin and her energy as she overcomes any trial that comes up. It’s amazing to see what she can accomplish.”
As part of its Big Island Christmas program, Project Hawaii is also bringing gifts directly to approximately 1,200 other underprivileged children, who often live in remote areas and are unable to attend the party.
“While the kids who are able to come to the party get to enjoy the atmosphere of the Christmas spirit, we aren’t always able to give them exactly what they ask for,” Patrick said. “However, the kids we deliver gifts to are able to get exactly what they wished for as well as other necessities like meal cards, bags of nonperishable food, and sleeping bags.”
Project Hawaii was working to get as many gift donations as possible before Christmas since they serve more than 1,000 kids on the Big Island alone, but there were less donations this year and the nonprofit is short by hundreds of toys, according to Patrick.
“Unfortunately, it has been a difficult year as we did not a have a business sponsor and many organizations that normally donate gifts to our Christmas program sent gifts to Maui this year,” Patrick said. “It’s hard because of course I understand the sentiment, but there is so much poverty and so many kids here that need toys, too.”
Due to timing, Project Hawaii is no longer accepting gift donations, but is currently accepting monetary donations through the new year. They will use the funds to buy the remaining toys and necessities needed for the underprivileged and homeless keiki across the island.
“Our team members delivering gifts will make sure to buy anything they are missing for the families they serve,” Patrick said. “I know a lot of people are able to give more after Christmas, so we want to ensure them that all of those funds are going directly to these children and their families. Anyone can still make a big impact.”
Those interested in giving monetary donations for this year’s Christmas programs can do so at tinyurl.com/2tuszhbu.
For more information on programs and volunteer opportunities through Project Hawaii, visit helphomelesskeiki.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com