More than 200 motorcycle riders brought new toys Sunday to the Historic County Building where the annual Keiki Toy Run started under clear, hot weather conditions.
“This is the 28th one,” said Russell Haluapo, the event organizer. “The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center gets the toys, just like they did last year. I like this one because we end up with more toys than riders. It’s better than if we get more riders than toys.”
Ellsworth Fontes of Hilo was among the group that met for the caravan to Kapaa, then Waimea, taking advantage of the clear weather. Fontes has been coming to Kauai for the past several years, bringing over bags of school supplies that were contributed to the Boys &Girls Clubs on Kauai.
“I have a funeral to attend Tuesday,” Fontes said. “But when I found out about this ride, I figured why not come a few days early to help Russell, who always helps us when we come over. I just got in Saturday night.”
Karla Huerta-Balocan of the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center said the presentation came at the right time because they are hosting children this week for the annual Christmas party at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
“We’re expecting up to 200 children,” Huerta-Balocan said. “For many of the children who will be attending, this might be their only Christmas. The whole party is about providing lots of joy and toys to these keiki.”
The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center offers help to children who have been traumatized and need help and support to heal and grow into healthy, active young people.
The center provides “enhancements” like medical, dental and psychological services not covered by other resources, to help these children heal. Additionally, it provides a safe, comfortable, inviting environment where children can be interviewed about reports of sexual and physical abuse or severe neglect.
Haluapo said due to the nice riding weather, the group was headed to visit Kapaa before turning and making a ride out to the Westside.
“We might as well,” the longtime Keiki Toy Run coordinator said. “The weather is nice so we’re riding. Me? I prefer rainy weather. I like to ride in the rain.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
