CHRISTMAS WISH PROGRAM
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As the commercial property manager for the Hilo Shopping Center, I have worked with Magin Patrick and the Christmas Wish program many times to promote their Easter and Christmas events in the Shopping Center. The organization has a tremendous amount of energy, commitment and integrity. This is demonstrated by their constant marketing and manning of booths, "giving trees" and more to attract the public and educate them concerning the homeless children and others that they suport. Every effort on the part of the public is rewarded with a handmade thank you note from the children that Christmas Wish supports; no small task and a lovely touch. I commend this program for their year 'round and round the clock devotion to the families and especially the children that it supports.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Their commitment and the happy look on the faces of the children that it services when they are receiving the services Christmas Wish provides.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Redeeming Light International, Inc. has been a supporter of Christmas Wish Program for many years. They provide a service, an invaluable service, to our island's homeless children and their families. They have been able to bridge the economic and cultural differences that tend to separate us. And can they ever stretch a dollar! With more donations they could do so much more. It isn't just for Christmas. The reading classes for example are trying to provide a way out for the next generation.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
knowing that everything I give goes to the children and their families.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
the director and her daughter collecting food items at the local markets in preparation for a holiday dinner.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help provide housing alternatives for families.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This wonderful program helps the most needy among us and I wish I could do more to support the homeless children it serves. My first experience was volunteering to help with the annual Christmas party, and I was so impressed with the uplifting event and simple joy of the children that I have sent a few bucks in continued support almost every month. I also donated some craft actvities to the summer camp program, and will continue to help this worthwhile organization whenever I can. Mother Theresa said that if you can't feed a hundred, feed one. This program feeds a hundred hungry children at least one good meal a year, and fills their little hearts with hope and true spirit of Christmas.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the smiles on the kids faces, and the sincere appreciation of their parents.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
offer to help by getting more involved.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
it really makes a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
caring, cheerful and generous.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
encourage homeless children to break the cycle of poverty and grow up to be self-sufficient.
Ways to make it better...
I had learned more about the organization before showing up as a volunteer.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the downturn in the local ecomony has created more homelessness and reduced donations to the program.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Megin Patrick is an inspiration and shining example of how one person can truly make a difference.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
On a recent visit to Hawaii I ran accross Magin and her group outside of a store selling candy to make money to help feed the children in Hawaii. I knew of the Christmas Wish Program and have received literature for years, but to actually witness the dedication to what their mission is was inspiring. Magin's hard work and dedication is unbeleivable. The countless children she has fed and sheltered is truly a miracle in the works. We must continue to support such an important and necessary program.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen the good work of Christmas Wish Program
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get more donors to contribute.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Receiving pictures of the children smiling.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Excellent
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
House, clothe and feed the children.
Ways to make it better...
If we coudd get more people interested in helping.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Receiving donations because of the economy
One thing I'd also say is that...
This is a dedicated group
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
As a longtime donor I am honored to be part of this review panel. I hope that this helps Christmas Wish Program receive all the awards it deserves for the services provided by the volunteers. One day as I was standing in line at the bank I overheard this little elf talking about going to the beaches to hand out personal hygiene products and lunch to the homeless children. I asked the woman when she was going, and how I could help. She informed me that there was a fundraiser that day, and I could be a part of that, and the following day she was delivering to the beaches. I just wanted to make a donation and see where my money was going. I wasn't one to volunteer as I am busy and don't have time to invest in that. However, she wouldn't let me just go with her. She stated that she is very picky about who she introduces to the children for their own safety and protection. At first I didn't understand was put off. But I then said, what if I go with you to do the shopping and help pay for some of the items. She agreed. I was kind of suspicious and wanted to see what it was about. I had never heard of anyone not wanting to just let people come to help. That afternoon after the fundraiser she took me shopping, told me to grab a cart and she did the same. About two and half hours later we were done filling the carts. She had spent over $1,500.00 on supplies, I was shocked. We spent about 6 hours wrapping all the items and filling stockings in a small hotel room. Well we had to use the hallways too, but it was amazing that this little elf was so dedicated. The next morning we headed out to the beaches, and one tent at a time she handed out the stockings to the families. Signing them up for the holiday delieveries and taking children's names and ages for Santa. Although I didn't go any further than that one time volunteer experience, I do donate on an annual basis. It makes me feel good knowing that my donations goes directly to the children's needs, and not someone's paycheck. It makes me feel that I can make a difference with my donation and the children won't go to bed hungry, or without supplies they need to be a bit more comfortable in their poverty stricken environment. I give every year, and encourage others to do the same. Thank you for inviting me to be part of this survey.
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The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
both donations and volunteering. My primary work is through annual contributions to help make a difference in the day to day lives of homeless children. I have personally seen the inside and outside of the program, where my donations go, and its impact
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give more money more often.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
knowning that 100% of my donations go directly to services. Meeting the children was also unforgettable.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
full of love and dedication to the children and their needs.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Well, Magin could change the homelessness crisis on all the islands. That kind of money would be put to amazing work with her hands and dedication.
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to give.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
lack of funds, dedicated volunteers.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I wish I could volunteer more.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
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