02 Jul Halloween 2020 with IHS keiki
Cobwebs, jack-o-lanterns, and ghosts decorated the walls of IHS classrooms. We created some fall time fun for keiki and families in our care to uplift spirits and welcome the colder months. With thanks to our community members and donors, IHS youth were able to dress up in costumes, enjoy sweet treats, and celebrate the spooky season.
At our Women’s and Family Shelter, the Halloween fun included a candy hunt, ghost bean bag toss and craft area to create PlayDough monsters (with pipe cleaners and googly eyes) and make slime. Each family came during their own time slot to allow for social distancing and to keep their keiki safe. The result? Families could feel as though the Halloween party was made just for them! Parents and their children played games, did activities, and listened to spooky music together. It brought a sense of joy, wonder, and excitement to an otherwise lackluster year.
At Kahauiki Village (KV), families decorated pumpkins and participated in a virtual costume contest. The best child, adult, and family costumes received a customized gift bag. Residents at KV also participated in trick-or-treating, but with a different approach this year. KV residents were given designated times to collect goodie bags donated from the aio Foundation. Groups were restricted to 5 people or less, and all children were accompanied by an adult with face mask and social distancing policies in full effect.
It has been a challenging year for families all over the world, and our families have been tested more than many. In the midst of it all, we were glad to provide a short time for a small escape, where children could imagine, laugh, play, and think about the brighter days ahead. It is these small moments of childhood that become lasting, cherished memories.
Mahalo nui loa to our donors and community members for igniting wonder and fun this Halloween for our keiki. A special mahalo to Aliamanu Military Reservation (AMR) Housing Hawaii and Anneke’s Tooth Brushes via friends and family of Lela Smith for the range of costumes for all ages, sweet snacks, and hygiene kits. Mahalo to Hawaii H.O.M.E. Project for the plastic pumpkins and mini card games.
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