LIHU‘E — Santa Claus, faced with his busy holiday schedule at the Festival of Lights and the Lights on Rice holiday parade, was able to break away to visit the children at the Easter Seals Early Intervention facility in Lihu‘e,
LIHU‘E — Santa Claus, faced with his busy holiday schedule at the Festival of Lights and the Lights on Rice holiday parade, was able to break away to visit the children at the Easter Seals Early Intervention facility in Lihu‘e, Friday.
Through the courtesy of Matson Navigation, the Easter Seals Hawai‘i Early Intervention Program on Kaua‘i hosted a special Christmas party for the children up to age 3.
“This is all about Easter Seals and the work they do in the community,” said Matt Cox, Matson Navigation Chief Executive Officer. “Matson Navigation, doing business in Hawai‘i for 130 years, realizes the importance of giving back and being part of the community. We are grateful and honored to be associated with Easter Seals Hawai‘i.”
Mason Williams, the Acting CEO for Easter Seals Hawai‘i, said Easter Seals Hawai‘i has been hosting the Christmas party in Hawai‘i for 59 years. On Kaua‘i, Friday’s celebration was the 12th.
Iwalani Dayton of the Easter Seals Hawai‘i said Matson Navigation is not just about sponsoring financially, they actually add manpower to their efforts.
“Vic Angoco, the Matson senior vice president of the Pacific, was very instrumental in the success of the Gingerbread Festival we had on O‘ahu,” Dayton said. “He cut. He wrapped. He delivered and arranged for the shipping of materials. His personal efforts were a huge part of the success on O‘ahu.”
The Easter Seals Hawai‘i will be hosting its 11th Annual Gingerbread Family Festival, Saturday at the Kukui Grove Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gingerbread house kits are still available for $29 and includes gingerbread pieces, animal crackers, mixed candies, gummies, icing, cardboard base and tool kit, including a sheet of cellophane to wrap the completed house. The kits are also available as to-go, where they can be assembled at home, or at another function.
Families are able to participate in one of two sessions, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Visit www.eastersealshawaii.org for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
