The holiday giving season is underway as Helping Hands Hawai‘i, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and First Hawaiian Bank launch this year’s Good Neighbor Fund. The annual campaign helps island families pay for rent, utilities, and basic household needs, focusing on emergency assistance through Helping Hands Hawai‘i’s Community Clearinghouse.
How the fund helps
Money raised through the Good Neighbor Fund provides emergency financial assistance, including help with rent, utilities, food, school supplies, clothing, and furniture for families in need. The fund also supports services such as budgeting workshops and case-management referrals to help households achieve long-term stability. According to Helping Hands Hawai‘i, donations fund both one-time emergency grants and the ongoing operations of the Community Clearinghouse.
Numbers that show the need
Organizers set this year’s fundraising target at $125,000, a bump up from last year’s haul of about $91,000. By the end of October, Helping Hands had already served more than 31,000 individuals, and volunteers had logged roughly 1,733 hours, with 321 people pitching in so far in 2025.
Those figures, along with the campaign goal, were reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, which noted the numbers as a snapshot of how many local households are leaning on this safety net.
Federal shutdown tightened the safety net
A record-long federal government shutdown this fall disrupted benefits and services nationwide, prompting more families to seek local assistance. The 43-day closure caused hardship for federal workers and increased demand on food banks and community programs, according to AP News.
How to donate or get help
For those in a position to give, donations can be made online through the Good Neighbor Fund page on the Helping Hands site, in person at any First Hawaiian Bank branch, or by mail. Checks should be addressed to: Good Neighbor Fund, c/o Helping Hands Hawai‘i, MSC 61572, PO Box 1300, Honolulu, HI 96807-1300.
Residents who need assistance can apply using the contact option on the Helping Hands website or call the Community Clearinghouse for an intake and referrals to available programs. Details on how to donate or request help are listed by Helping Hands Hawai‘i.
Volunteers and the Adopt a Family push
Helping Hands Hawai‘i’s Adopt a Family program runs through December, and organizers are seeking volunteers to sort donations and distribute gifts during the holiday season.
Kristine Garabiles, program manager for the Community Clearinghouse, said serving more than 31,000 people this year shows how vital the organization’s services are for local families.
