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Brought my wife and child out as part of the volunteer experience. I am in the military and volunteering is very important to my family. We would be very glad to work with Magin again.

My experience is some what different from what one might think. I wasn't a volunteer or a donor, or even a client. I was actually just someone who was interested in what was going on in a local park. One afternoon while walking through the park downtown, I saw a woman setting up a make shift service area and putting out tables with clothing, toys, books, all kinds of things. I asked if it was yard sale or something? She replied no, I just come down on Sundays and give away stuff and feed the homeless children. I was surprised about the calm in her voice and the excitement she felt to be there. I asked if she needed help, she just said if I wanted to help fold the outfits together. I kind of just wanted to know what was going on. I didn't know there were homeless children, and couldn't imagine how truck loads of items were going to be given away. Time passed, and I saw the park fill up with hungry, dirty children. Some had no shoes, or even shirts. They just kept coming over and getting food, taking clothing, and books. It was amazing. These children went home with arms full of stuff, and their bellies full. About one hour went by, and everything was gone, the families started leaving, and this wonderful lady (still smiling) started packing up the remaining items and tables. She seemed very content and happy. I was talking with her about why she did this, how she knew to do this. She just replied "Its my Kuleana. (In Hawaiian that means responsibility). She stated she was born to do this and wouldn't know what else to do with her life. I was amazed., and wanted to share my experience. This program is incredible and to think it is run by one lady with a huge heart.

I just finished helping this organization complete their Healthy Hearts Campaign for homeless children. It was amazing to see the director deal with all the obstacles that occur while just trying to make a difference in the community. Not only do volunteers not show up for their assigned shifts, they actually have the nerve to grumble about the conditions, or lack of support, etc. It is amazing that Magin can keep it together so well. She worked for a month to put together a collection drive to get new shoes for the homeless children and provide funds for the summer camps athletic program. During the 3 hour shift she was harassed by the public about "who are you?, or the homeless need to get jobs" all kinds of junk like that. All along she just continues to conduct her drive and hopes to get enough shoes to make a difference. One school group did a drive at their school, and there was another teen group helping with the collection, holding signs, etc. But not half the people showed up, and we were behind on donations. It was hard as a volunteer to see all this happening when the whole point is just to help homeless children. I was amazed that at the end of the 3 hour shift she thanked everyone and said we all did a great job. I know in her heart she felt bad for the homeless children, as she was about 50 pair of shoes short. I asked what happened next. Her response was pretty amazing. She stated she would never allow a child to be left out and would just purchase all the missing shoes. She said that these fundraisers are to allow people the opportunity to make a good decision and to help out. She continued to say that she never expects much, and is just grateful for whatever comes. She understands that not everyone can keep their commitments or give a donation. I just want to say Thank you Magin, and keep up the good work. I know the children do care about the difference you make, and that someday it won't be so hard to get this community involved with such great efforts.

Shoes for Homeless Children

I've worked with Magin and the Christmas Wish Program this past summer for the Keiki School Supply Drive and collected toys this Christmas for the local homeless children on the island. I love that this organization is so committed to making a difference in our community and has cut through so much red tape to give to those who need it most. I would work with this organization any time and feel blessed to have found them.

I've been aware of Magin Patrick and the Christmas Wish Program from when she first came to our island and started caring for the homeless people of our island. From the first time we met to discuss collaborating on some Domestic Harmony events for her families we had common ground and were/are committed to addressing the very real issues of domestic violence in homeless families by teaching them about Domestic Harmony. To that end, Magin and I have consulted and participated in events together, including a t shirt contest, and fund raiser. In addition, she held the first Domestic Harmony event on O'ahu on behalf of the Domestic Harmony Awareness Initiative, where she read Mayor Hannemann's proclamation to her families on 11 11 07, while they were enjoying the food she secured for them. Magin's organization has a number of volunteers, she has secured good press all along, she has made a huge impact on numbers of people here and on O'ahu through her steadfast commitment to her families and this work. It is amazing year after year to see the programs she comes up with and then the effort she extends to see that those children have a Halloween party or a Christmas party and school supplies. More help and supplies, and materials which could be secured with more funds would only serve to help her provide even better services. What she does matters. She's an Ace of Hearts.