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Elizabeth Hata Watanabe | Who Has the Time? - 2017

Do you know someone who always looks for a ray of sunshine in a sky full of dark clouds? You know, the person who sees the good in EVERYONE! Well, I’m not one of them. But, I genuinely admire and appreciate them. And, I met a woman who belongs in this category. Despite having three children, ages 12, eight and six, Elizabeth HataWatanabe not only spends time raising her kids to be confident, involved and well-adjusted, she also helps children outside her family – complete strangers! 
 
And, around the holidays, when there were a million extra things on her “to do” list, Watanabe took on a project called Home for the Holiday. This free event provides a safe, alcohol–and drug–free environment for homeless children during the holiday season. It affords children who are in various service programs, such as Youth Outreach, the Institute for Human Services, Adult Friends for Youth, the Next Step Shelter, and Family Promise Hawaii, an opportunity to experience the joy of the Christmas season. 
 
As one of two event organizers, Watanabe and Nani Medeiros, Executive Director of HomeAid Hawaii, worked tirelessly to create a caring, carefree, joyful atmosphere at a time when many children might feel even more isolated. Watanabe and Medeiros wanted the children to experience a home-inspired Christmas even though none of them had a permanent home. 
 
In 2016, with support from the Howard Hughes Corporation, and HomeAid stepping in as the host, Watanabe and Madeiros produced a memorable event for 100 children in Kakaako on Christmas Eve. It contained all the elements of a Christmas spent “at home,” with a Christmas tree, snacks, beverages, Christmas music, movies, games and a visit from Jolly Old St. Nick!
Watanabe and Medeiros recruited volunteers to staff the event and appealed to the generosity of community members to donate gifts for children from eight to 20. They also asked for donations of necessities, including blankets, toiletries, ponchos & raincoats, socks and hygiene products. 
 
That day was a special one for 100 homeless children. They were fed, they laughed and they were loved! So, the next time I say to myself “I don’t have the time,” I’ll remember that everyone’s busy, but doing something nice for someone whom I don’t even know, IS important. And, I’ll make the time.

 Visit website:  Elizabeth Hata Watanabe
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