KAILUA-KONA — King’s Daughters Ministry has been helping West Hawaii residents through its outreach ministry for 15 years.
Helen Vailu‘u and Jo Morimoto started the nonprofit while working together at the Kona Community Hospital emergency room. They saw victims of domestic abuse repeatedly cycle through the ER and were inspired to help.
In 2014 they opened the King’s Daughters Ministry Thrift Store in Kainaliu, staffed entirely by volunteers, to help fund their efforts. This year they have been struggling because of increased expenses and less revenue generated by the store.
Nevertheless, they’re committed to giving to those in need. Every year, it holds an annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and Christmas sponsorship for families since they started the ministry.
For the Thanksgiving and Christmas giveaways, anyone can sign up at the KDM Thrift shop located at 79-7401 Mamalahoa Highway today and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those unable to pre-register may show up on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. for a turkey and side dishes including stuffing, broth, corn, bread, soft drinks and cake mixes. Items are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We will also have a drawing, free clothing, free coffee and refreshments. Come mingle and share the aloha,” said Vailu‘u.
Those who register for a turkey will be given a ticket for a drawing at 11 a.m. Prizes include gas cards, gift certificates, Christmas ornaments and a Christmas tree.
They will also be signing up families for a wish lists including toys.
Every year, the organization also gives an automobile to a deserving person in need of transportation.
Unfortunately, they have not been able to obtain a car this year, even though they have identified two individuals who need help.
“We are hoping someone will step up and provide us with vehicles. And it’s tax deductible,” said Vailu‘u. “We have two families in desperate need of a vehicle. A grandmother taking care of two of her grandchildren needs a car to take the kids to school, doctor appointments, everything else. Another family is working two jobs with kids in school. Their life can be so much easier if you donated your unused car. We welcome those donating their vehicles to come hand over the keys and feel the love and appreciation from the receivers. It’s truly an unexplainable feeling of love.”
KDM also helps domestic violence victims with anything from clothing to gas cards.
But Vailu‘u’s vision exceeds their current efforts.
Vailu‘u said the KDM mission is to have a domestic violence transitional home and a youth safe place for children to hang out, play games, exercise their creativity, eat, watch movies and play music.
“Our children are the future of Hawaii, we really need to invest in them. They need our help,” she said.
The current shelter in West Hawaii provides a safe space for those escaping abuse, however stays are limited to 90 days.
Vailu‘u wants to provide a place where they can stay up to a year, provide counseling, education and help in securing jobs.
“KDM is seeking help with a donation of a DV transitional home and a youth safe place or even some land that’s not being used. We know that special person is reading this article and that person can make this happen, and change so many lives,” she said.
