Spring Into Action brings to mind all of the action taken by our ever-active Program Chairs and all they do throughout the year. The success of our programs depends on their many efforts to be sure our community partners receive the needed services. They also work very hard to be sure we have ready and capable volunteers to deliver the services. A big mahalo to all these Philanthropic Chairs for all they do:
OPERATION SCHOOL BELL: Laurelyn Berger
So far this year, OSB has provided over 15,815 T-shirts to students attending 43 schools.
The remaining 13 schools are in the process of ordering. OSB has had a great response from all of the eligible schools. Hopefully next year we will be able to return to one in-store OSB shopping experience. We are seeking Assistance League of Hawaii members to become part of a team to make this happen. This team will be guided by experienced in-store shopping experts, Margie Van Swearingen and Nancy Sparacino. Please contact Laurelyn directly if you would like to volunteer for this exciting new challenge!
Mary Monohon needs more volunteers to assist with the Kokua Boxes as it is an on-going project throughout the school year. Please reach out to Mary directly, or Laurelyn if this is a project you feel compelled to support.
Laurelyn wants to thank all the volunteers who have helped make this year's OSB programs a huge success - couldn't have done it without everyone's help. You wouldn't believe all the "thank-you" letters, photos, and notes we have received from the teachers, principals, parents, and students!
OUTREACH: Miho Teipel
Miho continues to seek needy recipients for our "one and done" program.
OPERATION WILDLIFE: Hazel Sumile
Hazel, Linda Tsark, and Sheri Sunabe are headed to Maui for this year's final neighbor island visit to do the OWL presentation for several 4th Grade classes at five enthusiastic schools; Kihei, Kamali'i, Makawao, Wailuku and Emmanuel Lutheran School.
On Oahu, there are just two schools left on the schedule for this school year. Waianae Elementary was visited on Friday, February 24, and Ala Wai Elementary will be on Monday, March 6.There is still time to join the session at Ala Wai Elementary School. It will be from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the cafeteria for 3 classes.
The OWL team will start working on review and revision of the video they have been using this past year. Hazel will let you know when they will meet to discuss possible changes so all can give input.
Hazel has lots of great ideas for expansion of services for next year. Dedicated volunteers are needed for this unique program!
SHARE: Karen and Marty Kehoe
Share Partners continue to receive donations of items received at the Thrift Shop that have not or cannot be sold but are very usable. These partners agree that they will not sell these items to their "clients". Currently, Share has four active partners: Helping Hands Hawaii, Kokua Kalihi Valley Family Services, Boys and Girls Club Hawaii, Waianae Chapter, and our newest partner - Family Programs Hawaii. Marty (Share) and Linda Tsark (We Care) are currently putting their heads together to provide services to better support our Foster Keiki population.
WE CARE: Linda Tsark
Malama Bear deliveries were made to Kapiolani (80 bears delivered by Carol Jones) and to Queen’s Medical Center (40 Bears delivered by Linda Tsark).
We Care will be scheduling the next Layette Packing party in March or early April. Keep your eyes and ears open for the date of this fun event. New volunteers are always welcome, along with the steady group of volunteers that always helps out.
Linda is in the process of calling all our Lullaby Layette & Malama Bear partners to see if their inventory of layettes and bears needs to be replenished and how much they need of both.
Now that we have Queen's Hospital as one of We Care's new partners, efforts are being made to have Queen's West participate in Malama Bears and Lullaby Layettes also. Stay tuned for updates regarding this exciting possibility.
Recent communication with Hale Kipa has resulted in a meeting in March at their new location in Ewa Beach to discuss how we can better support them. This meeting will include a tour of their new campus. Linda Tsark, along with Marty Kehoe (Share), are also working on the feasibility of expanding Foster Care Services.
