'Iolani students are giving back to the community in countless ways this holiday season. Here is one recent example.
On Sunday, a contingent from the class of 2015 had the honor of personally delivering the collected donations of their classmates to a very grateful Lokahi Project family of five in Kuhio Park Terrace. The 7th graders put their hearts into the project and filled every wish the family had and more, including a couch, microwave, bookcases, clothes, kitchen supplies, a brand new queen-sized bed from CSWo, and a host of Christmas gifts for the children. While five year old Sayrahlynn was reserved, she was very sweet and (secretly) thrilled. Four year old Mikela literally jumped for joy when we arrived and ran to everyone giving hugs. Baby Bryson smiled shyly from his father’s arms. The mother broke into tears when she saw the Umeke Market van unloading such gifts for them! 
While getting gifts up the stairway to the family’s apartment on the 6th floor was “an experience” (a sensory experience), it was an eye-opener that made us more appreciative. “I was shocked at the stairwell at KPT,” Dillon Waidyatilleka admitted. “It smelled really, really bad, and we had to walk past what looked like a gang of about ten teenaged boys to get things to the apartment. But the family was awesome.”
“It felt great to do such a good thing for people we didn’t know,” said Briana Camp. “I’m really glad we did this.” Briana was there, along with Juliette Paige, Matthew Azama, Robert Main, Nicole Yamaguchi, Dillon Waidyatilleka, and their parents.
Participating in the Lokahi Project reminded us that there are many in need on our own island. Mahalo to Mr. Kirk Uejio for arranging the project (for each of the classes from 7th to 12th grades) and for the most generous ONE TEAM effort of the class of 2015 families!
