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Resort supports Salvation Army and Lokahi Giving Project

By Staff | Dec 30, 2010

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas employees present gifts to the Lokahi Giving Project.

KAANAPALI — In the true spirit of giving, employees at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas spread holiday cheer by presenting contributions amounting to more than $3,000 to two deserving projects.

As part of the Lokahi Giving Project, the workers presented an assortment of toys and presents to a family living in Kahului who had reached out for assistance.

Representing the family, parent-child educator Makana Garaganza thanked the resort employees for their heartfelt contributions.

A volunteer with the Lokahi Giving Project, Garaganza and other volunteers worked tirelessly to arrange for low-income families on Maui to receive gifts in celebration of the holiday season.

In addition to DVDs and basic toiletries such as diapers and paper towels, the resort also presented gifts mentioned in the family’s wish-list, including a car-shaped inflatable bed and toys for a two-year-old boy; skateboard, remote-controlled car and puzzles for his 12-year-old brother; Craftsman tool set for their dad; and a beautiful dish set, nail polish set and body lotion for their mother.

The resort adopted two families in 2009 and plans to continue its annual tradition of supporting this heartwarming venture.

The Salvation Army in Maui was the second recipient to receive almost 200 soft toys and presents donated by the resort’s associates.

On hand to receive the presents was Program Manager Vidella Nagasaki, who was accompanied by young volunteers Liko, Ekolu, Kayla and Calista.

“We are most thankful for the resort’s generosity, as we have many low-income families from West Maui signed up to receive presents for the festive season,” said Nagasaki.

The presents were distributed on Dec. 23. The organization had already distributed more than 300 toys to families in Lanai.

Resort Director of Human Resources MayLing Barbosa explained that the Associate Council comprised of resort employees is busy year-round assisting in various projects to benefit the local community and nonprofit organizations, including the Maui Food Bank.