The administrative services department over at Island Insurance is by creed and deed low-profile.
They do what they do well and generally don’t call a lot of attention to themselves. It follows, then, that when it comes to charitable giving, they keep their proverbial horns locked up tight so they can’t be tooted — by themselves or anyone else.
Who knew that the nickel-and-dime profits from their unofficial company snack shop were being collected so that an island family in need could enjoy a bit of holiday cheer? Who knew that the overflow from their year-round stealth effort to promote an atmosphere of giving would help make sure that seniors know they are not forgotten on Christmas?
The 30-strong administrative services bunch has been raising funds for holiday giving for the past six years. This year staffers Christy DeVlugt and Lori Imai spearheaded an effort that raised nearly $1,000 via the sale of chips, soda, ice cream, burritos and other desk-ready snacks.
At year’s end staffers select a charity to support. This year they helped a family of nine via KHON2’s Lokahi Giving Project.
The family — a local couple caring for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren — had asked for food, toys for the kids, clothes, blankets, some passes to the Bishop Museum. The Island Insurance bunch got it all.
They even had enough left over to contribute to Lanakila Meals on Wheels’ Santa for Seniors program, providing reusable shopping bags filled with stationery, grooming items, gift cards and other items.
Toot.
PAYING IT FORWARD
Leo Ing was passing through the Manoa McDonald’s drive-thru with her husband and four kids recently. When she got to the window, the cashier told her that her family’s entire breakfast order had been paid for by the previous customer.
Touched by the stranger’s unexpected and anonymous act of generosity, Ing decided to pass on the kindness by paying for the next car’s order.
Turns out Ing’s unknown benefactor had his order paid for by the previous customer, as had the customer before that and the customer before that.
"The cashier said it had been going on for half an hour," Ing said.
———
Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@staradvertiser.com.
