The holiday season is upon us—a time of joy, connection, and reflection. It’s a season of giving, where we can show gratitude for our blessings by sharing them with those in need. At Neighborhood Place of Puna, we are committed to strengthening families and building community, but we can’t do it alone. This year, we invite you to be a part of our mission by supporting three meaningful year-end fundraisers: Sponsor a Hale, Mission Possible Peer-to-Peer Staff Giving Challenge, and Light the World Giving Machines.
Each initiative embodies the spirit of hope and transformation, making it easy for you to spread kindness this season. Let’s take a closer look at each fundraiser—and why your contribution matters.
1. Sponsor a Hale: Help Families Find Stability and Security
For many in our community, having a safe, stable home is not a given. The Sponsor a Hale initiative is an opportunity to provide crucial support for families at risk of homelessness or in need of secure shelter. “Hale” means “house” in Hawaiian, and through this program, you can sponsor a family’s journey toward housing stability.
Your contributions directly help with housing assistance, basic home necessities, and resources that empower families to rebuild their lives. Imagine the joy of knowing a child will wake up in a warm bed or a parent will no longer have to worry about where their family will sleep tomorrow.
For just $200 a month in 2025 or a one-time donation of $2,400 per hale, you can be directly connected to one of Hale ʻIki’s 10 hale, where your generosity will provide tangible support and give families the tools to rebuild their lives. You also have the option to sponsor multiple hale!
Why give?
- Stability is the foundation of a healthy family. By sponsoring a hale, you give families the chance to grow and thrive.
- This holiday season, your generosity can provide the ultimate gift—a place to call home.
2. Mission Possible: Staff Peer-to-Peer Staff Giving Challenge
Our dedicated staff at Neighborhood Place of Puna are passionate about making a difference—and they’re stepping up in a big way with the Mission Possible Peer-to-Peer Staff Giving Challenge. Mission Possible is our first-ever peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, running through January 31, 2025. This campaign encourages friendly competition among staff to raise funds, with each staff member aiming to inspire their networks to support NPP.
Each participating staff member has a personalized fundraising page to rally their networks and raise funds that directly support our programs. Donate to a staff member of your choice and help them climb to the top of the leaderboard! Every dollar fuels change and helps us empower families in need and end homelessness in our community.
When you donate through Mission Possible, you’re not just giving money; you’re amplifying the efforts of those who work tirelessly to support families in need. It’s a reminder that everyone, regardless of their resources, can come together to create change.
Who will climb to the top of the leaderboard? With your support, everyone wins!
Why give?
- Be part of a community-driven effort led by people who care deeply about the cause.
- Every dollar raised fuels programs that offer crucial housing navigation, parental supports, emergency shelter, and more.
3. Light the World Giving Machines: A Simple Way to Give Big
Imagine a vending machine—not for snacks, but for kindness. That’s the idea behind the Light the World Giving Machines, where you can “purchase” items like a bag of living items for an unsheltered individual. Or a hygiene kit for families. Or a sleeping bag and pillows for our unsheltered neighbors. for local families in need.
Visit the Giving Machines at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo and make an impact by selecting donations through these innovative vending machines. You can stop by anytime between now and December 31st and experience the magic of giving—just look for the bright red vending machine next to Women’s Macy’s.
This innovative and interactive way to give lets you see the direct impact of your contribution. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every selection from the Giving Machines goes toward transforming lives. Plus, the act of choosing specific items creates a personal connection to the families you’re helping.
Why give?
- It’s tangible: You can choose exactly how your donation will be used.
- It’s fun, interactive, and a great way to involve children in giving back.
The Significance of Holiday Giving
The holidays are a time to celebrate love, gratitude, and togetherness—but for many of our neighbors in Puna, it’s also a time of struggle. The rising cost of living, housing insecurity, and limited access to resources mean that countless families face hardships year-round, and these challenges are often felt most during the holidays.
By supporting Neighborhood Place of Puna, you’re extending the spirit of aloha to your neighbors, creating a ripple effect of positivity that lasts far beyond December. Your generosity can make this season brighter for those who need it most.
How You Can Help
Getting involved is easy:
- Click here to learn more about Sponsor a Hale or donate directly.
- Support the staff member of your choice in the Mission Possible Peer-to-Peer Challenge by contributing through their personalized fundraising pages.
- Visit the Light the World Giving Machines at Prince Kuhio Plaza and make your selections for families in need.
This year, let’s make the holiday season truly magical for families in our community. Together, we can create a Puna where every child wakes up to hope, every parent feels supported, and every family has a chance to thrive.
Are you ready to make a difference? Join us in bringing light, love, and support to those who need it most.