Holy Family Catholic Academy’s youngest Optimist Club members guided by Kindergarten Teacher, Ms. Lai Yin Ng, have adopted a Senior Living Community located on the mainland.  Initially, the students’ efforts focused on brightening the spirits of just one 97-year old resident, Geri, whom the children learned was saddened by the fact that she had been very fortunate in her lifetime to visit all but one of the 50 states—Hawaii.

Senior Geri, 97 years young

The students decided to become pen pals with Geri, sending their artwork and handwritten messages to brighten her days and if nothing else, at least give her a real connection to Hawaii.  Over the weeks and months, the students discovered from the home’s caregivers that their acts of kindness were actually providing happiness not just to Geri, but to all the other residents in the home who have enjoyed the back and forth correspondence.

An atmosphere of joyous anticipation and excitement results each time the children’s letters from Hawaii are delivered, and likewise for the Optimist members who recently received little handmade Santas filled with candy from Geri and her friends.  Such a sweet and valuable lesson for all of us to take note of and smile about!

Meaningful service with a gracious smile is special at Holy Family Catholic Academy!  Every year several pet projects which include donations of books and school supplies and resources to the Hawaii Literacy Bookmobiles serving the Boys & Girls Clubs of Waianae and Nanakuli; the annual schoolwide One-Can Campaign in November to collect canned goods for local food pantries; and blood drives hosted by members of our National Junior Honor Society to solicit donors for the Hawaii Blood Bank are near and dear to us.

Blood Drive thank you’s

Personal touches are always made from the heart by students.  For example, donors love to receive the student designed thank-you notes acknowledging their life-saving blood donations.  These very gratifying activities have become traditions for us and signify our efforts to give back to our community at large.

We also aspire each year to involve our school community in new ways to bring smiles of joy to others.  For instance, at this year’s November Fall Fest—Red, White and Blue, held the day before Veteran’s Day, the occasion was used as a patriotic forum to honor our military heroes, active duty and retired veterans, especially our Wounded Warriors.
A military band provided entertainment for the evening’s festivities and Holy Family students created greeting card cover art expressing appreciation for the sacrifices and services rendered by military members.

Fair attendees were invited to inscribe the cards made available at a special booth manned by students.  The many heartfelt tributes of love and care were sent to our local Veteran’s Hospital for distribution.  Amidst our own evening of fun and games, we didn’t want to be remiss in acknowledging and celebrating those dear to us.

Find out more about Holy Family Catholic Academy HERE.