Pili Pono Project Campaigns

Winter 2024 Campaign. Princess Ruth Keʻelikolani Middle School (PRKMS) in Honolulu embraces diversity and empowers learners through its "Onipaʻa" vision, emphasizing resilience, faithfulness, and trustworthiness. The school leverages research-based teaching practices, offers STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) electives for real-world learning, and integrates fluency routines and discourse strategies across all subjects. PRKMS has partnered with GEAR UP to guide students towards college and future careers. Beyond academics, PRKMS provides clubs, After School All Stars programs, and family outreach initiatives. The school prioritizes staff well-being, fostering a supportive learning environment through staff development and collaboration. This commitment to both academic excellence and student well-being has earned PRKMS national recognition for its positive and effective learning environment.

PRKMS has 354 students in grades 6-8.  Most students' families (78%) are economically disadvantaged, and 42% of students are English Learners.

Winter 2024 Campaign. Family recently moved out of Makakilo into a 2-story unit with four bedrooms for the single mom, four children, and elderly parents. Per Mom, “The journey hasn’t come without much patience over the years, waiting and praying, and it hasn’t been without experiencing what felt like ‘the end of the world.’ Our car has broken down multiple times this year and is now in need of tires, wipers and more. I often find myself wishing that my children, along with myself, could update our wardrobes, toys, and gadgets to feel more current. I’m reviving my high school dream of creating a local apparel line, print-on-demand business.”

Spring 2024 Campaign. Family Promise is a nonprofit organization with the mission of helping homeless and low-income families in Hawai’i achieve sustainable independence by mobilizing existing community resources and support.

Winter 2023 Campaign. A series of unthinkable events beset upon the Lam Ho Ohana. Father, Duane, was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. During his treatment mother, Christie, became ill and went septic and had all of her limbs amputated. Duane passed in 2020, leaving behind Christie and 3 children (now, 26, 14 and 10). Christie's amazing spirit aided her in returning to work part time. Christie is trying to raise funds to modify her car so she can drive as well as take classes in public speaking.

Spring 2023 Campaign. Paul and Candy Li came to the United States from China to share the good news about Jesus with everyone, especially Mandarin speakers. They presently live in Rancho Cucamonga, CA with their 4 children, Prince (17), Ella (7), Timothy (7), Nathan (2). Paul worked 6 days a week as a long-distance truck driver to support the family. About 9 months ago, he was involved in a tragic accident where someone lost their life. Unfortunately, Paul was charged for his part in the accident and is awaiting trial in Oklahoma. It has been very difficult for the Li family as they deal with the sorrow and guilt from the accident. With Paul away in Oklahoma, unable to support the family, it has been very hard on Candy, raising the children on her own, as well as trying to make ends meet. In light of all the challenges they face, Candy and Paul wrote in a Thanksgiving note to their friends: “Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” I firmly believe that as long as we are people who love God, whether “good things” or “bad things” happen, it ultimately works for our benefit.”

Spring 2023 Campaign. We are gathering canned goods for the food pantry at Ka’ala Elementary School (Wahiawa) to provide food for students in need during spring break. Some families will be especially challenged during spring break since children will be eating all of their meals at home during the week and families receiving federal SNAP benefits are receiving less support each month (approximately $200 less each month).

Winter 2022 Campaign. We provided school supplies to our hard working teachers in the pre-K through 5th grade at Ala Wai Elementary School

Winter 2022 Campaign. We provided for requests made by our hard working teachers and for families at Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School

Winter 2022 Campaign. Single mother with 4 children ages 4, 6, 8, and 13 who is living with her parents. Mom is currently unemployed and actively trying to get a job and training assistance. Three of her children have learning disabilities or are autistic. Mom is looking for any type of help to improve her children's ability to learn and stay healthy given the physical and emotional challenges in the family.

Winter 2022 Campaign. Mom is in a family of 6. Herself, boyfriend and 4 children ages 3, 15, 16, and 17. After the birth of her youngest child the family became houseless right before the pandemic. Shortly after, they received help from a local shelter and transitioned to permanent housing. However, that home was unlivable for 2 years due to a rodent problem. The family had recently gotten into a car accident and has to drive in a rental car that only fits 5. They are now receiving Section 8 federal housing assistance but still have previous financial obligations. Mom and Dad are working but their finances have been extremely challenging for their family.

Winter 2022 Campaign. Mom and Dad have a family of 8 which includes 6 children ages 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, and 15. .They recently lost their vehicle in an accident. Both parents are employed but have quite a bit of debt. The family also recently moved out of a State Shelter program and are hoping to build a brighter future for their family.

Winter 2021 & 2023 Campaigns. 17(2021)/19(2023) single mothers and their children of the transitional housing program The Shelter received over 163 Christmas gifts from online donors of the Pili Pono Project. The Shelter seeks to provide solutions to Hawaii’s homeless problem that are founded on Biblical principles and centered on a God-centered life as the core of the solution.

Pili Pono partners with organizations to identify needs of individuals in our community for Pili Pono Project campaigns.