In celebration of the season of giving, the Honolulu Museum of Art huis up with the Institute for Human Services (IHS) at this month’s Family Sunday presented by Bank of Hawaii Foundation to collect new clothing, household items and toys for families who could use a helping hand during the holidays. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A kama‘āina organization focused on ending the cycle of homelessness in Hawai‘i, IHS has housed, educated, rehabilitated and uplifted thousands of homeless in Hawai‘i through its multifaceted, family-centered social service programs. “IHS doesn’t just offer housing, they truly care about improving the lives of the people they work with, from green roofs that provide farm-to-table meals, to creating common-areas that encourage social interaction, support and much tighter communities,” describes HoMA’s new Public Programs Coordinator, Nanci Amaka. “We’re very excited they’ll be joining us for December’s Family Sunday and look forward to continuing to work with them in finding ways to support our community on multiple levels.”
December’s theme, “Warm Fuzzies,” captures that feeling of warmth and happiness that washes over when we perform acts of kindness for one another – and as a way to share that feeling, guests will have a chance to donate new items for IHS’ free Holiday Store.
“Holidays are sometimes tough for folks who don’t have much discretionary income to participate in the season of giving,” said IHS Executive Director Connie Mitchell. “Our Holiday Store is free to our shelter guests to allow both parents and children to select a gift for each other so that everyone can experience the joy of giving.”
Along with donations, guests can also create handcrafted cards at a special card-making station to share uplifting holiday messages and show support for our neighbors in need. Attendees are encouraged to create a personalized card to brighten the day of a local IHS child, members of their own family, or both.
As we reflect on the many blessings we can give thanks for this holiday season, consider sharing your joy with the keiki and ‘ohana in our community who need our help the most during the holidays. After all, the smallest acts of kindness can often ignite a momentum of giving throughout the entire community – and HoMA is honored to partner with IHS in helping to light that spark.
Here is a list of suggested donations:
- Backpacks
- Razors
- Slippers
- Men’s clothing (size 42-48)
- Women’s clothing
- Children’s clothing
- Baby clothing
- Towels
- Deodorant
- Combs
- Shoes
- Dress shirts (Men, L-3X)
- Dress shirts (Women, all sizes)
- Toiletries Sets
- Haircut gift cards
- Perfume sets
- Shaving sets
- Packaged underwear (Men, women, children)
- Packaged socks (Men, women, children)
- Holiday decorations
- New toys
- Housewares
- Kitchenware
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
**Please do not bring items with small parts, large items, bikes, toy guns or stuffed animals. Donation tables run by IHS will be stationed in the front of the museum so visitors can drop off items before entering the museum grounds.
For full event details, visit here.
11.21.19