Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH), in partnership with the Kahului Target Store and local first responders, helped bring holiday joy to Maui keiki and teens during the third annual Target “Heroes and Helpers” event held this weekend.
Approximately 75 keiki and teens, along with their families, participated in the celebration at the Kahului Target store. Each youth was paired with members of the Maui Fire Department, Hawai‘i Army National Guard, Kaiser Permanente, AMR paramedics, and the County of Maui, and received a $100 Target gift card to shop for holiday gifts.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen attended the event and shared opening remarks, thanking volunteers and partners for their commitment to Maui’s youth. Beyond the holiday cheer, the event fosters positive connections between keiki and first responders, helping build trust and a sense of community.
After shopping, gifts selected by the children were wrapped by community volunteers, adding a special touch to the experience. Volunteers supporting the event included staff and members from St. Anthony School, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s Maui Leadership Council, and the Target store ‘ohana.
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i also extends its heartfelt mahalo to community partners Child & Family Service, Maui’s Long Term Recovery Group (Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama) DCM Coalition, Kaibigan ng Lāhaina, Aloha House, and Roots Reborn Lāhaina for their continued collaboration and support.
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i coordinates similar Heroes and Helpers holiday events each year on Maui, Hawai‘i Island, and O‘ahu, helping ensure keiki across the state experience joy, connection, and care during the holiday season.
