PUHI — More than 200 toys filled a table at the Kauai Harley-Davidson shop in Puhi Sunday.
The assortment was divided for delivery for needy keiki on Kauai’s Westside and Eastside, said John Baroni, sales manager.
“This is not bad for a last-minute effort,” Baroni said. “We had less than a week to put this together after we found out there was a need. We could’ve done a lot better, if we had more time.”
Donna Nunes of the H Hawaiian Foundation said she will deliver the Eastside toys, primarily to Native Hawaiian children who otherwise would not have toys for Christmas.
“We were told by the agency that serves us that there were not enough toys collected to take care of us,” Nunes said. “We’ve been doing toy distribution since Hurricane Iniki in 1992. What do you tell the children?”
Baroni heard of her plight and got the motorcycle riders to pitch in.
“We do it for Russell Haluapo, every year,” Baroni said.
“He takes care of the kids that are normally missed by the agencies. This year, we’re going west. We have stops planned in Hanapepe, and then at Hofgaard Park in Waimea where we’re meeting Harold Vidinha, president of the Hawaiian Homes out that side. These are our Hawaiian children, many who need help.”
Larry Feinstein was one of the riders who was planning to ride on Christmas Eve — with or without a toy contribution.
“I didn’t know a thing about this,” Feinstein said, joining the group. “If we had heard about it earlier, we could have done more.”
Baroni said to avoid this type of situation, Kauai Harley-Davidson will plan on doing something earlier for next year’s toy drive.
“It’s going to be big,” Baroni said. “We’ll start from right after Thanksgiving with Black Friday specials focusing on toys. We’ll plan on doing it for at least a month so there will be enough toys for all the children who need help.”
Paula Rosa was one of the riders who dropped off a plush pillow which will find a home with a youngster.
“Merry Christmas,” Rosa said. “I’m glad we found out about it in time to help some of the children. Christmas is special — especially for the children.”
