Help Someone Help Others This Christmas

Executive Summary:  Recommended reputable organizations to support this Christmas

Kicking off the month of December this year is not the same happy experience as in years past.  We are in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime financial crisis and worries about the economy are pervasive.  I know times are hard for many people right now – you may even be one of those people in need of help.

But that is why it is even more important to think of those less fortunate than ourselves.  With just over three weeks left until Christmas, please take some time to think of others and think about making a gift to brighten the lives of someone else.  It doesn’t need to be anything grandiose – and some things don’t cost any money at all.

If you need some help getting started, I have some great causes that I ask you to consider this Holiday Season.  Because these involve money, I’ve added disclosures to assure you that I do not benefit from any of these, except to the extent that it helps foster a better sense of community in our Hawaii.  Now, onto the causes:

• The Star-Bulletin’s Good Neighbor Fund or the Advertiser Christmas Fund that helps select families at Christmas with specific needs – and many, many more families and inviduals year-round with things like rent or utilties.  Full disclosure:  I worked for several years for the non-profit that manages these funds; in fact, I was the manager who oversaw them. But that is why I can tell you first-hand that any amount of money, even if it’s $5, is a big help when everyone makes a concerted and collective effort to help others in Hawaii.
• Hawaiian Serving Organizations that provide a variety of services for some of those most in need of help not just during the holidays but all year long.  One of the best ways to raise the Hawaiian people and nation is to reinvest in the Hawaiian community.  Full disclosure:  I work for a Hawaiian agency, but not one of those listed.  Also, I am a Native Hawaiian, but you knew that already, right?
• Lanakila Meals on Wheels or Hawaii Meals on Wheels who don’t just provide kupuna and elders with meals, but also with companionship and a caring face whenever they get those meals.  Full disclosure:  I once was offered a job at Hawaii Meals on Wheels, but declined the offer.
• The Hawaii Foodbank is always in need of donations throughout the year, but is especially hard hit during down times in our economy.  While many people donate during the holidays, these donations must last as long as possible as they tend to get donations in spurts.  Full disclosure:  I’ve volunteered at the Foodbank off and on since college.  I also utilized their services to run my own food pantry at a previous job.
• The Slippah Project sponsored by my fellow blogger “Auntie Pupule ” is a worthwhile cause with a strong grassroots backbone.  I also like that they are reaching out to Kauai this year.  Full disclosure:  one of my college buddies is coordinating the Kauai effort.

There are many other worthy causes deserving of your time, money, and support.  I encourage you to support these and other organizations of your choosing.  Know that any support, whether monetary or otherwise, will be appreciated by these causes and anyone else you care to share with, but I’m sure money would be most appreciated this year – far more than in previous years.

Mahalo!

Tagged as: christmas, christmas fund, foodbank, good neighbor, slippah