The holiday season is a time for kindness, connection and compassion. In December 2025, the Locations Foundation was honored to support three local organizations doing vital work for our community: The Salvation Army Kauluwela Corps, Kahauiki Village and RYSE Hawaii.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers, we were able to deliver extra holiday joy to local residents in need.

Supporting Keiki and Families with Christmas Gifts and Essentials

Our volunteers helped to fulfill Christmas wishes for 50 children through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. A national program, Angel Tree connects donors with children in need by sharing their Christmas wish lists, allowing community members to purchase new clothing and toys that are then distributed to families to place under their Christmas trees.

Each carefully prepared gift bag was delivered to Captain Raghel Santiago of The Salvation Army, who shared that many of the children served this year are currently living in vehicles. Knowing how challenging these circumstances can be, we wanted to make this holiday season especially meaningful. So, in addition to fulfilling each child’s Christmas wish, the Foundation also donated essential personal items—including socks, toothbrushes and snacks—to be included in the gift bags, offering both comfort and care alongside holiday cheer.

Remembering the Adults at Kahauiki Village

The Locations Foundation has proudly worked with Kahauiki Village—a supportive environment for formerly homeless families and kupuna— since 2022. In the past, we’ve supported the community by donating school supplies and holiday gifts to more than 150 school-aged children. But, this holiday season, the Kahauiki Village community manager requested something a little different: Christmas gifts for 50 adult residents.

According to Community Manager Prince Pason, adults are often overlooked during the holidays, and these gifts would be deeply appreciated. We were grateful for the opportunity to help ensure everyone in the community felt seen, valued and remembered during this special time of year.

Bringing Joy to Houseless Youth With RYSE Hawaii

We were also excited to support Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE) Hawaii, an outreach program serving houseless youth. After coordinating with the youth care coordinator, the Foundation contributed to RYSE’s Christmas Day morning event, where youth participants received gift baskets and played games at the Kailua facility.

The Foundation donated 30 blankets, 7-Eleven gift cards, snacks, drink mixes and prizes for the morning’s activities—including protein powder and facial masks. Working closely with the youth care coordinator helped to ensure the items donated were both practical and popular with teens, making the support even more impactful.

Mahalo to Our Volunteers

None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of our volunteers who poured thought and care into selecting a special gift for these recipients, including Locations President and CEO Corbett Kalama, Foundation Secretary Tracey Okuhara and Y Pham, IT support specialist, and our dedicated agent volunteers—Ritsuko Yang, Shawn Baker, Yukiko Brady and Yumi Nakamura—who delivered the gifts to each organization.

“Mahalo to everyone who donated their time, resources and hearts this holiday season,” said Foundation Executive Board Member and event coordinator Megumi Nekotani. “Thanks to the generosity of Locations agents and staff, we were able to share warmth, dignity and hope across our community during the holiday season.”

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

About Kahauiki Village

An initiative of IHS, The Institute for Human Services, Kahauiki Village is a plantation-style permanent supportive housing community for formerly homeless households. Through key partnerships with local businesses, individuals, and organizations, Kahauiki Village has created a supportive environment where formerly homeless families and kupuna can not only find stable housing, but also access the resources and skills they need to build independent, fulfilling lives.

About RYSE Hawaii

Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE), a 501(c)(3), operates an access center where Hawaii’s street youth are assessed and referred to appropriate support services. Youth ages 14-24 have access to a safe temporary living space specifically designed to address their unique needs. The access center offers coordinated programs and services to build a path towards reintegration into mainstream society.