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My Christmas shopping started early this year -- 6:30 in the morning this past Sunday to be exact. It was still dark when I reported to Maui law enforcement officers at Walmart in Kahului. We were there to fight crime -- the crime of needy children who would likely miss the joy of Christmas without the "Shop with a Cop" program.
"Shop with a Cop" is a national program that connects law enforcement officers with underprivileged children from their local community. The kids receive a store gift certificate provided by sponsors. Local law enforcement officers accompany them on a shopping spree. The keiki get companionship, guidance and shopping advice and the officers get a touching reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Both are priceless gifts.
This year's event was made possible by the good people of the Kiwanis Club of Kahului, HMS Host, Walmart and Friends of the Children's Justice Center. Their generosity helped to brighten the holidays for more than 70 children, many of whom are in foster care.
The "Cop Shoppers" included officers from the Maui Police Department, Hawaii State Department of Land & Natural Resources, State Harbors Division, State Sheriff Division and National Park Rangers.
Due to life circumstances, these kids' first impressions of law enforcement are usually negative. Following domestic violence, substance abuse, neglect or other chaotic family situations, officers must often remove vulnerable children from their unsafe home environment. Such separations are traumatic for everyone involved, but the "Shop with a Cop" program often starts the healing process.
By participating in this event, I remembered what really matters in life. Regardless of religious beliefs, the holiday season is the perfect time to pause and reflect on what's truly important. It's very easy to focus on what's wrong. We grumble about the price of gas, long supermarket lines, crowded beaches or yet another political scandal. But let's also consider our abundance of blessings.
We live in one of the most beautiful and safe places on earth. Nobody in Maui County will freeze to death tonight. We wake up and go to sleep at peace, without worry about the death and devastation of war. Turn on a faucet and clean water flows out of it. Flip a switch, there is light in the darkness. Press a button and we can connect with anyone, anywhere at any time. Most of us have plenty to eat, and for those who don't, there are people and programs to help. Most of us take these things for granted while wanting more. And more. And even more.
I don't deny that some of our fellow citizens are struggling physically, financially, emotionally and/or spiritually. At the same time, I believe each one of us has the power to alleviate their difficulties in some small way. Mother Teresa once said, "The Lord likes small things best, especially those done with love." Here in Hawaii, we've simplified it down to two words, "live aloha."
I ask you to live aloha this holiday season by sharing some kindness and compassion. Here are some of my favorite holiday causes that would welcome your gifts of aloha as donated goods, money or your time as a volunteer:
• Friends of the Children's Justice Center of Maui: Help abused and neglected keiki in Maui County by supporting this charity that advocates for their needs. Each year they provide Maui kids with Christmas gifts through "Shop with a Cop" and other holiday programs. Donate through their website: www.mauicjc.org.
• Salvation Army of Maui County: Drop a dime or few dollars into their Red Kettles when you're out and about to help neighbors in need. You can also donate through their website: www.hawaiisalvationarmy.org and specify which community you want to support with your gift.
• Toys 4 Tots: Maui Street Bikers United helps every island keiki find something under their Christmas tree each year. Drive-thru to donate a new, unwrapped toy from 9 a.m to noon on Sunday, Dec. 11, at Azeka Shopping Center (makai), in Kihei or contribute online: www.mauitoys4 tots.org.
• Laulima Giving Program: KHON2 and Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers bring the state's community together for underprivileged families in need of help. Contributions can be made online at www.laulimagivingprogram.org.
* "Our County," a column from Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino, discusses county issues and activities of county government. It alternates on Saturdays with "Council's 3 Minutes."