LIHUE — The pile of neatly wrapped gifts, packages and bicycles were piled higher than any snowman on Sunday. The presents represented gifts to 20 anonymous families or individuals and were going to be delivered in time for Christmas. “I
LIHUE — The pile of neatly wrapped gifts, packages and bicycles were piled higher than any snowman on Sunday.
The presents represented gifts to 20 anonymous families or individuals and were going to be delivered in time for Christmas.
“I tried to give, but found it so impersonal,” said Dr. Michael May, a neuro radiologist, on the feeling, or lack thereof, of just donating monetary items for the holidays. “I’m single, have no family, and wanted to do something for Christmas.”
He said after scouring the Internet for ways to give to the less fortunate, found numerous organizations that could help him personalize the experience.
“I wanted something more personal,” May said. “After speaking with some friends and associates we came up with this idea.”
May said after clearing the project with his employer, he and two “elves,” Laurie Lizaraga and Tamara Jeffries, came up with 20 Christmas ornaments, each bearing the name of a person needing a little cheer for Christmas.
“I contacted Kelvin Moniz, the interim director for the Kauai Independent Food Bank, and after giving the KIFB a contribution, discussed how to find people who needed help,” May said of the search to find homes for the ornaments.
May said distributing the Christmas ornaments containing names of those in need was a lot quicker than he envisioned.
“All of the ornaments were gone in 15 minutes,” the radiologist said. “In fact, there were people asking if they could have one.”
Moniz, who had earlier in the morning helped May by shopping for food items for family packages, said he was literally “grilled” by May who was searching out people who needed help.
