Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Hilo Target store and several first responder agencies brought gifts and holiday joy to local teens and keiki at their annual “Heroes and Helpers” event on Saturday.
Held at the Target Hilo store, the event welcomed 50 young participants. With this year’s focus on keiki and youth living in Hilo, the celebration brought holiday cheer while fostering positive relationships among youth, officers and other first responders.
Each child was paired up with members of the Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Fire Department, Hawaii Air and Army National Guard, state Department of Land and Natural Resources, and other agencies.
Every participant received a $125 Target gift card, made possible by donations from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Target Corp., and other partners. Community volunteers also gift-wrapped the items selected by the children.