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Sending aloha to Hawaii's soldiers
by PAULA BENDER
Sun Correspondent
Archived December 2006 article
The inventory at East Oahu Realty has expanded beyond real estate. Aside from listing and scheduling showings of the area's real estate offerings, the agency's staff has taken to stocking up on items such as Barbicide, jock-itch powder, anti-bacterial soap, mouthwash and Odor Eaters - top items requested by soldiers deployed to Iraq.
Operation Adopt A Hero was triggered when an agent's husband was deployed with his Kaneohe Marine Corps Base squadron a few months ago. The idea was to send the troops items that would make life tolerable.
"We first started collecting donations from agents, and then they started sending us requests," said Kim Soares, a realtor at the agency. "Then the agents started donating cash so we could go and buy what we needed at Wal-Mart. Then we decided to take it a step further and see if distributors would donate."
Advantage Webco Hawaii Inc. stepped up with contributions of toothpaste, deodorant, combs, brushes and other toiletries. According to Soares, a representative of Regina Boutique and Beauty Salon in Kaimuki witnessed Webco's donation and inquired. When they found out what Soares was up to, Regina's made a donation of Barbicide, a disinfectant for combs and brushes.
"They are totally aware that insects and bugs are abundant. The uku level is getting high given their living conditions. I was floored by their donation," Soares said. "I got into the car and through my tears I said to my kids, 'Do you see what good people can do in this world?'"
Also assisting with this project are the students at Mid-Pacific Elementary School and Holy Trinity School. Teachers discuss with the students what the men and women fighting this war are going through, and that inspires the students to make cards, color pictures and write stories addressed to "My American Hero."
"The things that are coming from these children are so precious," Soares said. "I just want to look at them all day. It's so hard to put them in the boxes!"
Along with the cards, letters, crack seed and toiletries, you can bet that prayers and tears of both love and gratitude are sealed into these packages. There's room for yours, too.
As the holidays approach, the East Oahu Realty Ohana wants to let the public know that it will accept donations of products and funds to help with Operation Adopt a Hero. The biggest expense is shipping the packages, as toiletries can get heavy. The squadron is deployed for nine months, but it is anticipated that some may need to remain for an additional 9-month tour. As long as they are there, the effort will continue.
"These men and women are true heroes, sacrificing their lives for us," Soares said. "The light needs to shine on them. What we are doing is a small, minor gesture to say 'Thanks guys! Come home safe!' They've even promised to visit us when they return."
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