Terri Kaniho of Gather Federal Credit Union said it has been such a long time since the credit union participated in the KHON2 Laulima event.
Rising from the shutdowns caused by the pandemic, Gather FCU teamed up with KHON2 “Wake Up2Day’s” Chris Latronic, television host and comedian Tony Silva of Da Braddahs, and the KQNG Radio Group’s Ron Wiley to solicit help for Kaua‘i nonprofits.
That included Keiki O Ka ‘Aina, whose home visit offices are located in the Rainbow Plaza in Kalaheo, Child &Family Service family centers Hale Ho‘omalu and Nana’s House, and the YWCA of Kaua‘i domestic violence and women’s shelter.
“Last year, Gather FCU’s Laulima Day was limited to just the branch offices because of the COVID-19 considerations,” Kaniho said. “People were very generous, and we could help make the holidays a little more joyful for a lot of people. This year, we were able to raise more than $1,500 in cash donations for Keiki O Ka ‘Aina, and lots of toys that already left with the beneficiaries.”
KHON2’s Erica Miles, who coordinated the event with Gather FCU, was overwhelmed by the community response.
“Everyone was so generous,” Miles said. “We have enough toys so each child can get not one, but two toys for Christmas.”
Kaniho said, “Mahalo to KHON2 News, Keiki O Ka ‘Aina, The KQNG Radio Group and the Kaua‘i community for the amazing generosity and kokua in bringing Christmas cheer to all of the families.”
“Laulima” translates from Hawaiian to “many hands,” or “the power of people working together.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
