Bipartisan caucus provides essential household, hygiene items through nonprofit groups
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – For 22 years the Women's Legislative Caucus (WLC) has collected essential household and hygiene items, wrapped them into colorful Easter Baskets, and presented them to nonprofit groups that provide support for struggling families in need.
House and Senate Caucus members gathered today at the State Capitol to present 137 baskets filled with essential household items, such as laundry soap, utensils, pots and pans, dishes, toiletries, towels, for clients of the Institute for Human Services, the Domestic Violence Action Center, Parents & Children Together, and the Salvation Army Hawaiʻi.
"With many families and children across our state suffering from financial and emotional stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it is even more important this year to provide needed support," said WLC co-convener Representative Linda Ichiyama. "I'm proud that the Women's Legislative Caucus has been collecting Easter Baskets and household donations for local families in need for the past 22 years."
"I have been so honored to chair this event for the past eight years. Now more than ever it is vital to the health of our communities that we support women and children in need. I am so thankful there are organizations like the ones we have with us today, that focus on their mental and emotional health of women in our state," said Caucus co-convener Representative Lauren Matsumoto.
The WLC also recognized the work of the Domestic Violence Action Center and its CEO Nanci Kreidman, presenting her with a joint Certificate of Appreciation from the House and Senate.
“It is an honor for the Domestic Violence Action Center to receive this proclamation for our 30th year of service in Hawaiʻi,” said Kreidman. “It is testament to the work we do every day in helping those who live in fear of being abused find safety and shelter. Though we have accomplished much since 1981, there is still much work to be done. We recognize that we cannot do it alone. It’s going to take all of us.”
“On behalf the Senate women, I want to thank everyone for their efforts to make this year extra special by donations of household and hygiene items as well as monetary donations. We’re making these donations to several community organizations who help women and their families," said co-convener Senator Rosalyn Baker.
Hawai‘i Women’s Legislative Caucus was established as a coalition of women legislators from both the Senate and House of Representatives to advocate bills benefiting women in our state. Each year, this bipartisan group of dedicated women assembles a group of bills which are voted on by the Caucus for inclusion in their session package.