From left, Soroptimists Rachel Miyoshi, Michele Potts and Kathy Perry are knee-deep in Christmas gifts for Lahaina children.

WEST MAUI – The women of Soroptimist International of West Maui recently spread cheer to the 49 children in Lahaina’s emergency housing program at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center.

According to the club, many of these children enter housing with very little, and through no fault of their own end up in a challenging family situation.

Soroptimist International of West Maui has pledged its commitment to this program by establishing a closet chock full of new clothing to be distributed (as needed) to children upon their arrival to the shelter.

When center Children’s Program Manager Kayla Fagin met with Soroptimists to outline her program needs, the ladies jumped at the opportunity to help. New clothing and slippers is a small way to bring a big smile to a child’s face.

Club members also hold fun events with informative speakers and creative fundraisers to benefit women and children in the West Side community.

The recent Red & White Social held in the living room of one of group’s members raised $1,535 by auctioning off “white elephant” items to raise funds to begin stocking the closet. Red and white wine added to the excitement.

The ladies also took on a “Giving Tree” project to provide Christmas gifts for the children currently residing in emergency housing.

They plunked down a Christmas tree tagged with ornaments listing each child’s wishes at The Outlets of Maui over Black Friday weekend, then got busy ensuring that every need was met.

Soroptimist Michele Potts noted that some of the wishes were very simple, and “if a child wants a pillow and blanket for Christmas, I think they should have it!”

The community was overwhelmingly supportive of the project, bringing everything from bicycles and art supplies to clothing and diapers. All of the presents were delivered to the shelter on Monday.

Soroptimist International of West Maui improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

The club holds its meetings twice a month; the public is invited to attend and learn about Soroptimist International of West Maui.

To learn more about the club or make a donation to this cause, contact President Julie Meszaros at meszarosjr@gmail.com or call (707) 738-3111.