Kapolei family plays Instead of buying gifts for loved ones during the holiday season, one Kapolei family picked out gifts for 36 needy teenagers and senior citizens through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program.
Christmas angel
Donation droughtBy Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.comThe 36 angel tags were selected from Christmas trees at Pearlridge Center and at the Salvation Army's headquarters.
The 60-year-old woman who wants to remain anonymous said her four children, who are between 34 and 39 years old, are "at the point that they don't need to get a gift at Christmas."
Under the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program, Christmas trees with angel tags are placed at shopping malls throughout the state. The tag describes the person's age and gift desired.
Salvation Army spokesman Daniel de Castro said the family's donations were unusually generous for a number of reasons, including the amount of presents they gave, the expensive gifts they purchased, and the ages of the recipients.
The Kapolei woman said her family has been involved in the Angel Tree Program for the past four years.
Previously, the woman bought gifts for children age 12 and under. This year, she wanted to focus on angel tags that were not likely to be chosen.
"We take unusual stuff that we know that people aren't gonna get off the tree," she said.
This year, the family spent about $1,200 on gifts for needy teenagers and senior citizens. The family purchased two bicycles, a dollhouse, 12 compact disc players, a radio and fishing poles for teen-agers. They also bought a wok, pots and pans, a ladder, fans, bedding and bathroom towels for senior citizens.
"We have a good time doing it," said the Kapolei resident. "There's a need there ... It can't be all about you. It's got to be about other people," said the woman.
Salvation Army Hawaii
