12/25/2025
🎄✨ Heroes & Helpers — Christmas Day Reflection ✨🎄
While the Heroes & Helpers event didn’t take place on Christmas Day, it felt especially fitting to share it today—because it captures the very heart of this season.
On behalf of the Waianae Coast Rotary Club, we were honored to be part of this beautiful event held at the Target Store in Kapolei. It was made possible through the leadership of the HPD District Eight Community Policing Team and the W**d & Seed Program, with generous support from Target Kapolei, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and a special shoutout to our Waianae Coast Rotary Club for being part of the village that makes moments like this happen.
The morning began with a huddle led by OFC Pagan, bringing together HPD officers and fellow “Heroes,” followed by a heartfelt blessing by Pastor Allen Cardines, Jr., a warm welcome for the keiki and their parents, and—of course—the excitement of Santa’s arrival.
Twenty keiki from Leeward Oʻahu, each chosen by their teachers for being positive role models and an inspiration to others, were paired with police officers or first responders. After photos with Santa and his elves, the teams set out to shop—each keiki gifted up to $100 thanks to W**d & Seed’s generosity.
What stayed with us most was the generosity of the keiki themselves. Many chose to shop not just for themselves, but for their ʻohana. One carefully checked his list to make sure he bought gifts for his younger siblings. Another used part of his gift to purchase a dozen red roses for his mom—there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. Even the officers felt the magic, reminiscing in the toy aisles (and yes, one may have tried on an alligator mask for fun!).
Today, on Christmas Day, we share this story as a reminder: the spirit of Christmas lives in kindness, service, and the way a community shows up for its keiki.
Mahalo to all who made Heroes & Helpers so meaningful. 🎁❤️🎅🏽