December 24, 2007
Keiki Slippah Wish Project - Mission Accomplished!
Oh, what a day we had! There are a lot of reasons that I hope Saturday stays fresh in my memory for a long, long time. I got very discouraged about the problems of the homeless in Waianae some time back. Saturday reminded me why I care, and why it’s important to ignore the political ugliness, look beyond the smoke and mirrors and do something. Saturday was about people and about community. My community - Waianae!
The stalwart crew of the Slippah Wish Fund must have left townside about five o’clock, because they arrived in Maili (my little town on the Waianae Coast) at six o’clock and started decorating the truck. I live less than a mile from their meetup point, but could not leave home until my morning tummy troubles settled, so I arrived at Maili Point at seven and had no problem spotting the folks I needed to meet.
We all set to work sorting through the boxes on the truck and organizing them by type - slippahs - lots of slippahs! - books, toys, clothes, snacks. There were plenty of volunteers and we were soon ready to roll. Our first stop was just across the highway from our starting point, at Huliawa Beach Park on Maili Point.
A pattern was established that would repeat itself throughout the morning. There were curious stares as we pulled up. We could see that some of the families living on the beach had children; the bikes and toys outside their tents were a dead giveaway. As the first few curious residents approached we told them why we were there and asked if they could gather the children. We were told that, yes, there were children, but some of their parents would not let them come out. A little logic explains why. Some of them have a great fear of Child Protective Services (CPS) and avoid anyone who intrudes in their little community. They’re afraid that CPS will deem them unfit parents because they live on the beach and will try to take their children away. Their fears aren’t unfounded, so we understood.
Several parents told us how many children they had, their ages and shoe sizes. They were given shoes and other goodies for each child. Jason’s father was the first who was bold and trusting enough to actually bring a child out to meet us. Jason was half-asleep and not at all sure he wanted slippahs on his feet, but I distracted him with a ball and he decided that Daddy knew best!
After the ice was broken more parents came out with their keiki. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone recieved gifts.
Some of the older keiki approached on their own. This young man was happy to see that we had big-kid toys in addition to slippahs. He was very happy with a football and a baseball glove.
We had joked about rain (a common occurence in our Hawaiian winters) and the possibility of it interfering with our little project. When it came it was just a light sprinkling and didn’t deter us at all. I couldn’t resist this photo opp as this father described his four kids to Auntie Lynn. The very skies above us seemed to be endorsing our efforts with a timely blessing.
The first rainbow was soon joined by a second and, moments later, a third. Sorry, y’all! The triple-rainbow photo didn’t come out so you’ll just have to take my word for that!
The same pattern repeated itself time and again as we made our way up the coast. Some of our neighbors on the beach had decorated their homes with Christmas finery, a welcome sight in sometimes bleak circumstances.
I was reminded of New Orleans and Mardi Gras several times as eager young hands reached up to the truck claim their prizes.
The best part of our day, for me and others, was the opportunity to get to know our neighbors.
After we finsished up at Keaau Beach Park, near the “end of the road” in Makaha, we paused briefly for a group photo before heading to our final destination. Some of the volunteers were a little camera-shy, but here’s a few of us.
Our last stop was at Pai’olu Kaiaulu, a homeless shelter that opened up near the Waianae Civic Center last March. Auntie Rita K. Martin gave us a tour after we finished unloading the truck. I took several pictures inside, but have decided to save them for antoher day and another post. Suffice it to say that several hundred people who lived on the beach back then now have private rooms and their own keys, some for the first time in years. We found a cheerful community that welcomed us warmly as we went around meeting and greeting the residents. One reason that we didn’t find many keiki on the beaches is because many of them now have a home in this wonderful community! There were children underfoot everywhere inside and on the grounds - what a wonderful thing!
I am hesitant to post pictures that show the faces of residents. This is their home and they deserve the privacy it affords them. When I go back (and I will go back!) I’ll make sure that individuals are comfortable having their faces shown and their stories told. There are wonderful things going on at Pai’olu Kaiaulu and I’d like to tell some of the stories. My friend and I both found ways that we can help with the education and job-training programs that are on-going, and are anxious to get started. Others in the Waianae community-at-large are giving their enthusiastic support too, like the young man who built the above living room for the “big kids” as part of his Eagle Scout project.
One final thought and then I’ll close. Meeting Auntie Lynn was one of the highlights of my day. It was Auntie Lynn, aka: Auntie Pupule who made the Keiki Slippah Wish Project happen. It originated with a simple wish she made three years ago: she wished that all of the keiki in Mayor Wright Homes could have slippers. Together with a group of friends, she set out to make that dream a reality. And they did! This year, the third year of the project, The Slippah Project went to Mayor Wright Homes, Kamehameha Homes and Ka’ahumnu Homes before finishing up on the Waianae Coast. Auntie Lynn said several times that they were on the Waianae Coast becuase of me. I’m proud to have been a part of the project, but it wasn’t me who made it grow so big that there were more slippahs than the Mayor Wright keiki could use. All I did was write
a post, hoping that some of my friends would see fit to contribute to this wonderful project. It was you, my dear readers, who stepped up and put your money where your hearts were. I was astounded at your generous response, as was everyone involved with the project. We talked a lot about mana as we made our tour of the Waianae Coast. Mana is heart and soul and spirit. I cannot do it justice in English, but it’s the power of the spirit that flows from within you and that is best seen when it spills out and washes over everyone who comes within its aura. Your mana is showing, dear readers. Mahalo nui loa for that.
Mele Kalikimaka, my friends! May the seeds you’ve sown reap bountiful benefits in the new year.
Technorati Tags: Christmas, Hawaii, homeless, Keiki Slippah Wish Project, photos, Waianae Coast
Posted by skeet @ 10:51 am • Hawaii, Society & culture
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December 24th, 2007 at 11:50 am, Denise Says:
You. Are. Awesome.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:24 pm, Kat Says:
This is so great! It makes me feel good to know that all these kids got some slippahs and toys. It’s wonderful.
You and all of them, do such a great thing.
December 24th, 2007 at 2:29 pm, links for 2007-12-25 | Flamingo House Happenings Says:
[…] skeet’s stuff » Keiki Slippah Wish Project - Mission Accomplished! Together with a group of friends, she set out to make that dream a reality. And they did! This year, the third year of the project, The Slippah Project went to Mayor Wright Homes, Kamehameha Homes and Ka’ahumnu Homes before finishing up on the Waianae C (tags: hawaii homeless keikislippahwishproject blogging onlinecommunity onlinecommunities) […]
December 24th, 2007 at 6:27 pm, valmg Says:
Damn I hate a tear in my eye. You did a wonderful thing and there’s a place in heaven for you. God bless and Merry Christmas.
December 24th, 2007 at 8:12 pm, sweetisu Says:
What an inspiring day, event, group of people. You have a good heart and soul my friend.
Merry Christmas.
December 24th, 2007 at 8:59 pm, pussreboots Says:
Fantastic post. You do good and wonderful things for you community.
December 24th, 2007 at 9:40 pm, Muhd Imran Says:
This is indeed a true Christmas story. You and the volunteers are indeed beautiful people. Bless you.
Here’s wishing you and your loved ones…
MERRY CHRISTMAS & JOYOUS NEW YEAR!!!
December 25th, 2007 at 5:42 am, Auntie Pupule Says:
“Wishes and Dreams come True; you just gotta BELIEVE!”
And we did!
Looking forward to spread Love and ALOHA again and again…see you next year!
Mahalo,
Auntie Pupule
December 25th, 2007 at 8:29 am, corrin Says:
you did a great thing. we are going to make sure to donate every year after seeing how much our little donation meant to others.
December 25th, 2007 at 7:09 pm, Marisa Says:
Thank YOU for this opportunity. My son did not make it home from Kauai this year so my heart is there with you. Perhaps over time, we can expand this to all the islands. The need is there.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:57 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Denise, but the kudos go to Auntie Lynn and the others who made the Keiki Slippah project happen.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:58 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Kat! I’ve really enjoyed being involved in the Slippah project and I know we’ve done some good.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:00 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Val. My emotions are still in overdrive from the day we spent passing out slippahs and holiday goodies. It was a very intense experience.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:02 pm, Auntie Pupule Says:
Aloha Marisa,
It is my desire and goal to bring The Slippah Project to all Public Housing and Homeless Keiki in Hawai’i nei!!
It because of Anita and you, her readers, we got to share Love and Aloha on the Leeward Coast. We will continue to do so.
Next year, my goal is to include Kuhio Park Terrace. We can do it!
Mahalo
Auntie Pupule
December 26th, 2007 at 1:02 pm, skeet Says:
Yes, Sweetisu, the Slippah Project and the day and the wonderful people involved are all very inspiring. Makes me want to be a much better person than I am, that’s for sure!
December 26th, 2007 at 1:04 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Imran. It’s a wonderful project and what the “spirit of the season” is all about.
I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful holiday with your family!
December 26th, 2007 at 1:05 pm, skeet Says:
I played a very small part, Sarah, but mahalo anyway. I’m very grateful to have met such a wonderful group of people who know how to make things happen!
December 26th, 2007 at 1:09 pm, skeet Says:
I do believe, Auntie Pupule, and so do many others, because you made us believe. I’m already looking forwad to next year, when the Keiki Slippah project will be bigger and better!
December 26th, 2007 at 1:11 pm, skeet Says:
It’s amazing how little things can make such a difference, isn’t it Corrin? I’m looking forward to next year, too, and will make sure all of my readers know in plenty of time to offer their support in whatever way they can!
December 26th, 2007 at 1:18 pm, skeet Says:
I would love to see the Slippah project eventually reach all of the islands, Marisa. It might be difficult for people on Oahu to co-ordinate it on the other islands, but maybe you and your son could make it happen on Kauai? Auntie Pupule has answered you in my comments. I’m thinking she’d be happy to share her knowledge and experience with people throughout Hawaii so that groups of volunteers could spread this wonderful thing!
December 27th, 2007 at 5:54 am, Marisa Says:
If Jesse is still there next year at this time, I will let you know and perhaps we can expand it there. I saw the children living at Anini Beach every day and remember thinking it was a sad juxtaposition against the multi-million dollar homes on the bluff above Anini. Something just isn’t right about that.
December 27th, 2007 at 8:14 pm, skeet’s stuff » Share Some Good Stuff! Says:
[…] I had to share the good news when the Keiki Slippah Project brought Christmas to local kids who live on the beaches or in homeless […]
December 29th, 2007 at 9:34 am, Evelyn Says:
I wish I could have been there with all of you! I’m so sorry I missed it but I’m very happy you guys shared and talked about it! You continue to amaze me!
December 30th, 2007 at 6:27 am, Vanda Says:
Oh man Skeet, I had tears in my eyes reading this. You are so awesome as well as the others.
December 31st, 2007 at 7:53 pm, skeet Says:
I’m counting on you being with us when the Slippah Project rolls next year, Evelyn!
December 31st, 2007 at 7:55 pm, skeet Says:
It took me several days to get my emotions back under contol after we had our Slippah day, Vanda. It was an amazing experience!