The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce annual gift drive, held in conjunction with the December After Hours, collected toys, food, money and items that were given to Family Support Hawaii and The Food Basket-Hawaii Island’s Food Bank.
Attendees were asked to bring new, unwrapped toys, food or clothing in lieu of the usual entry fee. Those arriving empty-handed paid the $15 fee, which was also donated. More than 156 pounds of food and $962 was collected and split between both organizations to purchase additional toys, gift certificates and food. The Food Basket received an additional $500 from one Chamber of Commerce member.
Ray Wofford and Taren Klingler of Family Support Hawaii and En Young of The Food Basket accepted the boxes of toys, food and money. Wofford said the donations will help more than 115 West Hawaii families.