Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH), in partnership with the Hilo Target Store and Hawai‘i Island first responder agencies, brought gifts and holiday cheer to local teens and keiki during the annual “Heroes and Helpers” event held in Hilo.
This year’s celebration welcomed 50 young participants, with a special focus on supporting keiki and youth living in the Hilo community. The event not only provided much-needed holiday joy but also fostered positive connections between youth, law enforcement officers, and other first responders.
This marks the second Heroes and Helpers event co-sponsored by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i on O‘ahu, with similar programs hosted in past years on Hawai‘i Island and Maui. Mahalo to all partners and volunteers who helped create a memorable and uplifting holiday experience for our keiki and community.
Heroes:
- Hawai‘i Police Department – HPD
- Hawai‘i Fire Department – HFD
- Hawai‘i Air National Guard
- Hawai‘i Army National Guard
- Department of Land and Natural Resources – DLNR DOCARE
- Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney –- Kelden Waltjen
- Santa Claus – Neil Azevedo (Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works)
Helpers / Volunteers:
- Target Stores
- Catholic Charities Hawai‘i
- Hawaiian Electric
- Starbucks
- Office of Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen
- Hawai‘i Police Department
- JeiAngel Digital Design
Donors:
- Target Stores
- Catholic Charities Hawai‘i
- JeiAngel Digital Design
- SHOPO
- Hawaiian Electric Company
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Hilo Post 3830
- Punalu‘u Bakery
- Starbucks
