December 13, 2025
WHAT: An urgent call is being made by The Salvation Army to support Angel Tree wishes across Kauai, as a shortfall in holiday gift donations—in the face of heightened demand—threatens to impact this year’s distribution days and holiday joy for families in need. With over 1,000 keiki and kupuna from the local community set to be served by The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, many may miss the chance at Christmas gifts without the public’s help to fill the gaps.
“While we are deeply grateful for all those that already shared their Angel Tree aloha this year, we’ve received less donations than in previous years across our Kauai collection sites while the need has grown,” said Major Troy Trimmer, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division. “We are in particular need of more toys, or funds we can use to buy missing toys, to ensure the remaining wishes can be filled in time for our distributions that are traditionally such heartwarming events.”
The Hanapepe Corps is reporting that its Angel Tree wish registrations rose by 50% this year, with more than 100 Angel Tree tags still waiting to be fulfilled. The Lihue Corps is additionally navigating an increase in Angel Tree family sign-ups. Popular keiki items include LEGO and building sets, craft and art supplies, and active toys for outdoor play.
The greatest areas of need at the Hanapepe Corps Include:
- Toys for boys ages 3- 10 years old.
- Toys for girls ages 5-12 years old.
Funds to purchase the remaining gifts of registered individuals in the Angel Tree program, with an estimated need of $6,000.
WHEN/WHERE: Unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at the Corps locations, or donations may be made online to Virtual Red Kettles set up for the Hanapepe and Lihue Corps Community Centers at Hanapeperedkettle.org and Lihueredkettle.org respectively. Virtual Red Kettle donations qualify for a match from The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, doubling the impact of any gift! For more information, please contact aloha.hawaii@usw.salvationarmy.org. Corps drop-off windows are as follows:
- Hanapepe Corps (4465 Puolo Rd.) from December 16th through December 19th, 2 – 6 p.m.
- Lihue Corps (4182 Hardy St.) from December 15th through December 18th, 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
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About The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division
The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division covers the state of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands including Guam, The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands and The Federated States of Micronesia. The Division offers a wide variety of programs throughout the islands including: affordable senior housing; at-risk youth services and housing; camp & conference center; family stores; food distribution and feeding programs; homeless services; The Kroc Center – Hawai‘i’s largest community center; preschools & day care services; social services – emergency assistance; substance abuse treatment; and work therapy & rehabilitation services. For more information, call 808-988-2136, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
