HONOLULU, Hawaii -- U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and BAE Systems, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai’i, presented the 7th Annual Na Mele o na Keiki (Music for the Children) Holiday Concert at the Hawai’i Theatre Center, Nov. 29-30.
“It’s (MARFORPAC) giving back to the community (by providing) a free performance,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael J. Smith, the band officer for the MARFORPAC Band. “Even though it is free, the donation of an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is always appreciated.”
The concerts raised money and toys for the Toys for Tots Hawaii 2014 collection effort.
Amongst those who performed at the concerts, were the MARFORPAC Band, the “Wild Hawaiian” Henry Kapono, Ginai, Kamakakehau, Laura Murdzia, Ciana Pelelkai and the Honolulu Blend Show Chorus. Performances consisted of traditional holiday music, as well as Hawaiian holiday music.
By the end of the concerts, the Marines had collected more than 2,000 new toys and raised more than $3,200 for Toys for Tots Hawaii. All money and toys raised at the events stay in the Hawaiian Islands to make Christmas brighter for less fortunate keiki (children).
“For an underprivileged child, it actually means a lot more than someone who gets a normal Christmas,” said Cpl. Christopher Griffin, a Marine with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, and the Toys for Tots Hawaii coordinator. “Their family may not be able to provide for them, but they still get a Christmas like everyone else.”
With the help of everyone’s donation, and the continuation of the annual holiday concert, MARFORPAC and its partners are continuing their effort to make the holidays a brighter time for the keiki on island.