PSD NEWS RELEASE – Star Light Star Bright Christmas program held with WCCC women and their keiki.
Posted on Dec 11, 2019 in Latest Department NewsHONOLULU – Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu’s Prison Ministry hosted a special Christmas gathering at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) Saturday.
For the past 20 years, the Diocese Prison Ministry has been working with the Department of Public Safety to help incarcerated moms connect with their children. This year, 38 children, 20 caregivers, and 21 female inmates participated in the Star Light Star Bright Christmas event at the facility. Donations also helped provide gifts for all of the children in the program.
“This program is something the women look forward to as much as the children,” said WCCC Warden Eric Tanaka. “We are happy to see women re-uniting and rekindling strong familial bonds with their children during this festive event”.
The Star Light Star Bright program has grown from home delivery of gifts to the children to a family gathering at the prison. Aside from lasting memories, there was a visit from Santa Claus, a puppet show, games, and holiday season activities. The children and caregivers left with framed family photos with Santa, goodie bags, kits for gingerbread house building and gift cards.
The Star Light Star Bright party made its first début at the WCCC in 2010. 2012 was the first year that neighbor island children and their caregivers were flown to Oahu to attend the Christmas party.
The Star Light Star Bright program relies on donations. That money helps the Diocese fly families from the neighbor islands to Oahu, and covers ground transportation, meals and lodging at St. Stephen’s Diocesan Center. Star Light Star Bright also provides Christmas gifts for families unable to make it to the Christmas party.
There is also a “sister” event in the summer, called Sun Light Sun Bright, instead of Christmas gifts, school supplies and backpacks are provided. The first annual took place in July.
For more information on how you can help with these events, contact Toni Bissen at (808) 221-6656, [email protected].
Pictures were uploaded to Dropbox. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fete24dbajioijp/AABNimeWXrwIF9FkISfjFq_Xa?dl=0
If you are not able to access the Dropbox file please let me know.
You can also visit our Facebook page for the photo album at www.Facebook.com/HawaiiPSD
Toni Schwartz
Public Information Officer
Hawaii Department of Public Safety
Office: 808-587-1358
Cell: 808-683-5507
[email protected]
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