PHOTOS by Kim Tamaoka/Dept of Water
Department of Water employees donated 60 gifts to The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program this year. Pictured above: (left to right) Roman Silvestre, Keith Aoki, Kevin Pongasi, Val Reyna, Mona Yamauchi, Dustin Moises, Cleve Shigematsu, Freddy Levinthol, Leo Anguay, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Kirk Saiki, Edie Ignacio-Neumiller, Nadine Nakamura, Mary Jane Garasi, Major Mario Reyes and Major Cadet Helen Reyes.
By Staff Reports
(LÎHU’E) – Employees at the Department of Water (DOW) prepared 60 gifts for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program on Dec. 13. The DOW hopes to continue this tradition for years to come.
“Every year, more and more of our employees are signing up to participate in the Angel Tree program,” said Kim Tamaoka, DOW’s public relations specialist. “It’s wonderful to see our staff so eager to give back to the community and help these children and families during the holidays.”
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides a way for communities to share personal gifts with those less fortunate. Families that apply for Christmas assistance request gifts for their children with a list of needs. The Salvation Army then creates paper “angels” with the child’s description and wish list, and displays them on Christmas trees in various places. Volunteers make their selection, prepare a gift and return it to the Angel Tree.
“The Angel Tree program touches the life of every young child who is sponsored,” said The Salvation Army’s Major Cadet Helen Reyes. “You see the joy in the parent’s and children’s eyes, and the big smile on their faces when they receive the toys from their sponsors.”
Typical gift descriptions include clothing, shoes, hats, toys and bicycles. Donors are asked to fulfill any or all of the child’s wish list. Presents are distributed by The Salvation Army staff and volunteers prior to Christmas Day.
The last day to collect gifts from sponsors is Dec. 13, Reyes said. However, she continues to share a heartfelt message to the community – that it’s never too late to help those in need.
“Christmas is all about giving and for some of us that have plenty, we should open our hearts and give generously to those who have less,” Reyes said. “I would definitely encourage everyone to participate and volunteer in The Angel Tree program because the reward and benefits are priceless.”
For more information about The Salvation Army Angel Tree program, call Major Cadet Helen Reyes at 245-2571.
For more information about the Department of Water, call 245-5455 during business hours 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.