Waiakea Lions Club helps make the holidays happier

On Dec. 18, Santa was sighted in Hilo, sporting a long white beard and riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Instead of reindeer, he was accompanied by riders from Hui O Makai and the Pilauz. He was paying a visit to the Waiakea Lions Club Keiki Christmas Party for children in foster care and emergency shelters held at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale.

“Christmas is a difficult time of year for children who are away from their homes and families,” said co-chairman Billy Lyman. “The goal of this annual party is to help make good memories for foster and emergency shelter keiki and their ohana.”

Each year, clients of the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Services and Hope Services emergency shelter for families are invited to attend. This year 116 children and 56 adults attended from the Child Welfare Services and 15 children and 17 adults attended from the emergency shelter.

“This is the Waiakea Lions Club’s signature project, and it has been successful since its beginning, thanks in large part to the generous donations from individuals and companies in town,” said Lyman.

Ben Franklin Crafts donates a large portion of the the gifts and its employees help decorate. Kuawa Storage provides a storage unit year round for the toys that are collected. Individuals donate stuffed animals and other items.

At the party, the Waiakea High School Leos and advisors help the children make crafts, play games and visit Santa. Each child leaves with a matted photo of him/herself with Santa.

Throughout the year, the Waiakea Lions are collecting stuffed animals and other new or gently used toys. Anyone with items to donate may call Lyman at 936-7349.