Health center gets $23,708 to help needy children

The Waikiki Health Center garnered a record $23,708 in its annual Back-to-School Campaign that will go toward immunizations, physical exams and general medical care for disadvantaged children.

Safeway Foundation gave the fundraiser a shot in the arm with a sponsorship gift of $10,000. Canisters displayed in 12 Safeway stores collected another $4,139. Other gifts included $1,000 each from Hawaii Medical Service Association, AlohaCare and Kmart Hawaii.

Shoppers from Kahala to Kahaluu dropped an additional $6,569 in into canisters. In all, 330 canisters were displayed by 70 retailers at 156 locations.

Volunteers who provided the manpower for the campaign included the Moiliili Community Center's senior group, members of Kiwanis Club of Honolulu, the Central Y Men's and Women's Club, and employees of Bank of Hawaii-Kapahulu branch.

The health center annually provides about 1,000 medical visits to children from uninsured, low-income and homeless families at its clinics in Waikiki, Haleiwa and Kahaluu. No family is turned away for its inability to pay.

Medical services children must have before they can enter a classroom cost about $150 for each child. Physical exams are not covered by most health insurance plans.

The annual fundraiser ensures that more disadvantaged children are able to start school on time, miss fewer days of school, and receive preventive and primary medical care during the year.

Children are also screened for eligibility to enroll in the Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides medical and dental coverage.

Contributions to help needy island children may be sent to Waikiki Health Center, 758 Kapahulu Avenue, Suite A-319, Honolulu, HI 96816. For further information, call 922-4788.