Christmas Wish Program
Established 1988 - Serving Local Keiki since 2002
P.O. Box 1844, Kea'au, Hawaii 96749 - Phone: 808-982-8128
Email: HelpingHands@ChristmasWishProgram.org
(use the "back" button on your browser to return to the previous page or go to our home page)

Bylaws / Articles of Incorporation

ARTICLE 1:

Section 1: Organization’s Name:

Christmas Wish Program, Inc.

Section 2: Organization’s purpose:

Part One:

This corporation is established to enhance the lives of the local children by allowing the public the opportunity to become a part of the solution through volunteering, donation and sponsorship. Our programs will attain their goals by providing children (0-18) that live in a). homeless shelters, b). battered women shelters, c). homeless camps or beaches, and d). crisis centers with toys and gifts to include:

Part Two:

In addition, our corporation was established to promote life changes and education within they dynamics of the broken family unit. Our programs will enhance the lives of battered women, as well as their skills to raise a family that is able to break the cycle of homelessness or abuse in the family. By providing families with:

  1. Family baskets filled with household items for
    1. the kitchen such as small appliances, dishes, utensils, mixing bowls, dishes, pot holders, etc.
    2. the bathroom such as towels, soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, cleaners, etc.
    3. food items and other available items.

    2. Each basket will be made in a laundry or storage tote box and be topped with a hand made quilt, or blanket.

  2. Personal hygiene products and clothing,
  3. Self-esteem and life planning workshops (in progress) will include a 12-week workshop of classes. Each participant will be on a "reward system" and following each class the mother will receive new clothing, household supplies, makeovers, self improvement products, and other available items, such as gift certificates for hair styles, manicure, etc. Upon finishing of the self-esteem workshops, each mother will have a new outlook on life, more self-esteem, job hunting and interview skills, time management and organizational skills, and improved parenting skills.
  4. Dinners for the holidays for the family. Hot dinners will be provided for the homeless living without shelter, and unprepared meals will be provided for those in transitional homes or shelters.

CWP will determine the eligible recipients by the requests of shelter applications, and or by the governing board of directors by applications submitted. Applications will include the income level and source of income for all families applying for assistance through our programs.

All services will be provided free of charge and be limited to children under the age of 18, or to families living within the shelters or other sponsored areas.

In addition, this corporation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes to serve the low income and or poverty stricken families to improve their quality of life. Our programa run during all the holiday seasons and throughout the year, and supported 100% by volunteers and donations, both monetary and in-kind, from the general public, and local supporters, which may include small business, scholarships, grant matches, and fundraising efforts. Our program was designed to have the majority of its funding be provided by the general public to foster goodwill and pride for their efforts in supporting change in the communities challenges of homelessness and violence in the home.

Section 3: CHRISTMAS WISH PROGRAM’S PHILOSOPHY:

No child should ever be left out of the wonders of the holiday spirit due to their lack of income or displacement without a home. Every child is precious and deserves to feel the love of the holidays and what they bring. By filling their hearts with love through the simple pleasures of Santa's arrival, the children will have self-esteem and self worth. Children who have become homeless or are abused do not have the security they need in order to grow healthy and happy in these trying times.

In the mind of a child, believing in Santa or the Easter Bunny is mystically knowing their hearts desire will be.... this leads to forming their self esteem and worth for LIFE!

When a child is abused they feel unloved.... when a child becomes homeless they question their self worth.... and when Santa or the Easter Bunny doesn't come... it confirms those feelings. BUT when Santa and the Easter Bunny come and bring their special wish, they know they ARE LOVED, they know they are worth their hearts desire, and they can grow with the self-esteem needed in this challenging world.

CWP was designed to let the public share in the joy of giving and the opportunity to help build a brighter future for a local child. Help keep Santa and the Easter Bunny alive in the hearts of a child by volunteering, donating or helping in the development of our new programs.

Section 4: CHRISTMAS WISH PROGRAM'S MISSION STATEMENT:

Enhancing the life of local homeless keiki one wish at a time. Building a stronger future for the local keiki one wish at a time. Improving the lives of local homeless keiki, one wish at a time.

 

ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP POLICIES

Section 1:

Members will consist of the elected board of directors only. All board members will be on a voluntary basis. No one shall be paid for their volunteer services, or be reimbursed for items, services or the alike. All hired professionals will be at the discretion of the board to be determined for our building codes, or other services needed to benefit the goals of our program.

Section 2:

All members shall pay a $20.00 annual fee to be utilized towards the administrations filing fees due to the state and government agencies. Annual fee shall be paid when member is voted and accepted as a board member, and the renewal fee for continuing year(s) on or before Sept. 1. Members that have not paid their dues cannot participate in the voting or organization or attending of events. In addition, they can be removed from office. Other donations or in-kind services do not replace the fees towards administration membership agreement.

 

ARTICLE 3: BOARD REQUIREMENTS

Section 1:

Executive Director is responsible for setting policy and governing the organization and holds the power to conduct the nonprofit's business and to delegate the power as needed to an agent of the board. The organization will have a minimum of 3 board members at any given time.

Section 2: Length of time a member will serve:

No less than 2 years and no more than 4 years in the same position, unless otherwise voted to remain by 100% vote.

Section 3:

Our nonprofit is a self-perpetuating board. we have no members outside the board members. Voting will take place at our annual meeting with forwarding nominations, and votes, if necessary.

Section 4: Our Quorum Requirements:

CWP requires a minimum of 60% of board members to per present to transact business matters. Unless the committee members are present for their slated business; in which case, only the executive director or board president needs to be present. The required paperwork still needs to be submitted and presented to board members at the next meeting.

Section 5: Meetings

CWP will meet at scheduled meetings in:

  1. February: to prepare for Easter events, fundraising, and other plans. Christmas successions will also be reviewed, and the reading program progression for Feb. will also be addressed for last minute needs or progress.
  2. May: to prepare for reading program and summer activities.
  3. September: (AT COUNTY FAIR): to prepare for Halloween, and annual fiscal year reviews. ALL members are required to attend this meeting for Christmas committee chair assignments, and annual report reviews. Members are also required to assist in the presentation, setting up, preparing, and publicizing the program at the County Fair.
  4. October: First meeting with Christmas committees.
  5. November: Second meeting with Christmas committees.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS can be scheduled as needed by committee chairperson any time during the year. Board members must be notified, but have the option to attend or not. Committee chairperson can take the responsibility to run meeting, delegate programs or projects, and submit fundraising proposals, or letters of donation toward specific programs they chair.

Section 6: Removal of Board Members:

Any board member can be dismissed without votes if the following are or have been committed:

  1. Missing more than 50% of meetings
  2. Breach of confidentiality
  3. Conflict of interest
  4. Not serving position as stated in bylaws
  5. Not volunteering or supporting fundraising efforts

Section 7:

Voting of members to their selected position will be done by ballot by mail BEFORE the annual meeting in September. New members and their positions will be printed in the annual newsletter. Voting will be done in August.

Section 8: Compensation of Board Members:

NO MEMBER shall be compensated for their services. We pride ourselves on being a public charity and allowing 100% of ALL donations to benefit the goals of our program - THE CHILDREN. No member will be reimbursed for services or purchases they choose to buy to enhance our programs. This includes decorations, wrapping paper, film and or development, paper products, etc. CWP will consider such services/purchases as a donation and will become the property of CWP. Tax deductions for said products will be given accordingly. Valid documentation may be required before such deduction receipts are given out.

 

ARTICLE 4: BOARD MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES AND DUTIES

Section 1: Offices of the Board Members Titles available:

  1. Executive Director
  2. President
  3. Vice President
  4. Treasurer
  5. Secretary
  6. Volunteer Coordinator
  7. Grant Writer
  8. Fundraising Chair
  9. Correspondence Secretary
  10. Web Designer
  11. Volunteer Event Coordinator
  12. Public Relations Officer
  13. Media Officer
  14. Accountant
  15. Committee Chair(s)

Please NOTE: all positions are required to help in fundraising efforts!!

Section 2: Duties of Board Members Positions:

Title 1: Executive Director:

Responsible for setting the policy and governing the organization. Will hold the power to conduct the non profit's business and delegate the power as needed to an agent of the board. will oversee all activities of the organization. In addition will be the one to grant any fund proposals for fundraising events, projects or benefits of the succession of the programs goals.

Title 2: President:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Overseeing activities
  2. Take directors chair at meeting if director is unavailable
  3. Giving direction and making choices to be brought to the board
  4. Keep checks and balances and overviews of records as turned in and checked by secretary and treasurer before submitted to accountant.
Title 3: Vice President:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Take the place of president at meeting or if released from office.
  2. Assist in the activities and planning
  3. Arrange fundraising, promotions, and goal related activities with board members.
Title 4: Treasurer:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Balancing funds
  2. Logging in funds from all fundraisers
  3. Logging all checks
  4. Keeping track of payments and payables
  5. Keeping books for each program or event
  6. Giving all receipts and books to accountant by September 1.
  7. Keeping track of goal timeline and budgets for all grants
Title 5: Secretary:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Keep accurate notes of all meetings and keep minutes
  2. Keep log of requests for money and activity expenses
  3. Create and maintain donor list, mailing list, and e-mail lists.
  4. Keep goal time lines for grantors purposes
Title 6: Volunteer Coordinator:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Organize the volunteers at each event
  2. Maintain the sign up sheet at each function
  3. Track hours of all volunteers
  4. Maintain accurate contact information for each volunteer
  5. Give records to corresponding secretary following each event, function
  6. Contact organizations, clubs, groups, etc. for volunteer recruiting
  7. Coordinate with the Event Coordinator for number of volunteers needed for upcoming events.
  8. Coordinate with committee chair persons to collaborate and assign volunteers
Title 7: Grant Writer:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Writing grant letters to fund our programs and goals
  2. Write request letters to organizations or businesses for funds, in-kind donations, or other needed project funding.
  3. Required to write a min. of 2 grants per year, and 10 letters of request per function throughout the year.
  4. Contact local companies to find out match program, employee volunteer donation programs, or other types of giving set up for local nonprofit organizations.
  5. Keeping correspondence ledger with updates on letters of approvals, denials, next proposal deadlines, etc.
Title 8: Fundraising Chair:

(chairperson has the option to recruit or assign a co-chair to work with, or we can vote more than one person for the title and separate activities)

Responsibilities include:

  1. Plan and book fundraisers in the community
  2. Organize the dates with available volunteers (with volunteer coordinator)
  3. Maintain a relationship with fundraising efforts and avenues
  4. Seek out new ways to enhance our fundraising efforts
  5. Contact local companies to find out types of match programs, sponsorship programs, etc. from local companies, organizations.
  6. Contact local companies to promote our fundraising efforts: I.e.; giving trees, donation buckets, toy drives, etc.

ALL FUNDS NEEDED for fundraising efforts must be submitted in writing and the proper forms filed and approved by executive director before any money can be used towards fundraising efforts. We are very limited on funds to be used towards fundraising. Our first order should be to get the items needed donated from other local companies or groups.

Title 9: Correspondence Secretary:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Assure all letters and thank-you cards are sent in a timely manner
  2. Keeping current records of all donors
  3. Keeping current records of all volunteers
  4. Writing thank-you cards/notes to all donors, sponsors, volunteers, etc.
  5. Answer any letters of interest or concerns
Title 10: Web Designer:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Designing web page with CWP approved materials
  2. Update and maintain web site monthly
  3. Change web page for each upcoming event or holiday
  4. Maintain donation system for on-line donations
Title 11: Volunteer Event Coordinator:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Plan events
  2. Delegate project committees for each event
  3. Assist in creating fundraising events
  4. Work with volunteer coordinator to assure proper amount of volunteers are recruited for each given event
  5. Secure locations for events
  6. Help with fundraising to benefit event by having sponsorships towards a small portion of event.
  7. Assist committee chairs to stay on task, delegate more volunteers if needed.
  8. Update board or Exec. Director with results or conflicts arising.

ALL requests for project or event funding must be submitted in writing on appropriate forms and submitted to exc. Director for approval. All services or items purchased by any board member not approved or pre-authorized will NOT be reimbrued and will be considered a donation to the organization and donor will be give appropriate tan deduction receipts. REMEMBER CWP works on a very tight budget, and needs to look towards donated items from other groups, organizations or businesses for needed supplies verses CWP funds. Each program will be given a budget reflecting account balances and or projected donations towards program.

Title 12: Public Relations Officer:

Responsibilities include;

  1. Check and reply to e-mails on a weekly basis, minimum 3 times a week.
  2. Help recruit new volunteers and donors by attending events and talking with new people to our program
  3. Keep in mind new ways to promote our programs to the public
  4. Return or make phone calls from inquirers if needed.
  5. Work closely with corresponding secretary to assure all letters and thank-you cards are sent to volunteers and donors.
Title 13: Media Officer:

Responsibilities include:

  1. Contact local media outlets by printing news briefs
  2. Print all our upcoming events in calendar or events, both fundraising and benefiting
  3. Design fliers or other sources for advertisement purposes
  4. Take photos of our events for publicity and records
  5. Help organize our photo album of our good works and the impact we have on the lives of the local keiki and families.

ALL photos and news releases are the property of CWP. All material must be submitted to CWP directly, all copies and originals. NO person can material can be used for personal reasons for any reason. Board members will vote on the usage of said photos, articles, etc. for publicity use outside of regular scheduled plans.

 

ARTICLE 5: COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITIES,

Section 1: Committees Available:

Every committee will have a primary chief chairperson to report, delegate and plan for each program or project. We have no limit on volunteers under a specific committee project, however, if one project has too many volunteers, they may be assigned to serve on another committee.

Reading Program:
Easter Program:
Self-Esteem and Life Planning Workshops:

To be instated when multipurpose room is completed.

Clothing Closet/Food Closet:

In the process of development, storage at members homes, and delivered to the homeless at scheduled times.

From Our Home with Love:
Christmas Program:
After School Programs:

To be developed by committee when multipurpose room is completed

Summer Camp:

To be developed when space is available

Summer Day Camp:

To be developed when multipurpose room is completed.

 

ARTICLE 6: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

These bylaws may be amended subject to the approval of the vote of a minimum of two-thirds of the sitting board. Mew bylaws will be reprinted and dated to amendment effective date. Old articles will no longer be in effect or be printed in the new bylaws. Board members will receive the new bylaw articles by mail once amendments are retyped and changed or added.

Official copies of the Bylaws are available to the public by request in writing within two weeks, and a service fee of $3.00 per copy for printing, processing and mailing will be assessed. Our bylaws and board member applications are available free of charge at our fundraising events, county fair, and meetings without written request on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mahalo for your time and consideration towards our programs efforts.

STATE OF HAWAI"I
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCES AND CONSUMERS AFFAIRS
 Business Registration Division
1010 Richards Street
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 40, Honolulu, HI 96810

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION for Christmas Wish Program, Inc.
(Section 414D-32, Hawai'i Revised Statutes)
Amendment Revision Jan 9, 2004

ARTICLE 1: Name of corporation is: Christmas Wish Program, Inc.

ARTICLE 2: Address of corporation: P.O. Box 1844, Kea'au, HI 96749

ARTICLE 3:
a). The name of the corporation's registered agent in the State of Hawai'i is: Kevin Patrick
b). The street address of the corporation's initial registered office in the State of Hatuai'i is:
16-3Z0 Kehaulani St., Kea'au, HI 96749

ARTICLE 4: Names and Addresses of each incorporator:

Kevin Patrick 16-320 Kehaulani St., Kea'au, HI 96749
Magin Patrick P.O. Box 1844, Kea'au, HI 96749
Camille Keawekane-Stanford P.O. Box 6787, Hilo, HI 96720
Dianne Brookman 160 Kawiki Rd. Hilo, HI 967Z0
Melissa Malaise 758 Kalanikoa, Hilo, HI 96720
   

ARTICLE 5: This Corporation has NO members outside the board members and volunteers. (See bylaws for board of directors' terms and responsibilities).

The corporation shall exist in perpetuity unless dissolved.

ARTICLE 6: This corporation is established to enhance the lives of the local children lining in poverty stricken situation within in our community by allowing the public the opportunity to become a part of the solution through volunteering, donation and sponsorship. Our program will attain our goals by providing children (ages 0-18 yrs.) that live in a). homeless shelters, b). battered women's shelters, c). homeless camps or beaches, d). and crisis centers with: 1). Toys and gifts (See bylaws for details), 2). Clothing, 3). School supplies, 4). After school educational programs, 5). Reading programs, 6). Personal hygiene products, 7). Summer camp and or educational day camps.

In addition our corporation was established to promote life changes and education within the dynamics of the broken family unit. Our programs enhance the lives of the battered women, as well as their skills to raise a family that is able to break the cycle of homelessness or abuse in the family. We do this by providing families with: 1). Self-esteem and life planning workshops, 2). Personal hygiene products, 3). Family baskets filled with household products, and 4). Dinners for the holidays.

Our programs are offered free of charge during all holiday seasons and throughout the year, and run 100% with volunteers and donations, both monetary and in-kind, from the general public and local supporters, which may include small business, scholarships, grant matches and fundraising efforts. Our program was designed to have the majority of its funding be provided by the general public to foster goodwill and pride for their efforts in supporting change in the communities challenges of homelessness and violence in the home.

Our programs are offered free of charge to any shelter or participant that applies and matches our criteria under the IRS section 501 (c) (3).

This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, including for such purposes, the making of distributions organizations that qualify under the 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code, or any corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

No proceeds of this corporation will enrich any individual, except the reasonable compensation may be paid for services to the corporation. All board members will be volunteers and not subject to any type of payment or reimbursement for services, items, or otherwise time or donated items. All members are responsible for their choices to enhance the programs, which includes purchasing items they wish to donate/add to the programs success.

In addition, if the corporation is dissolved, any assets remaining will be distributed to another corporation serving in a similar purpose and qualifying as tax-exempt, charitable organization under the provisions of 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code.

The undersigned certifies under the penalties of Section 414D-12, Hawai'i Revised Statutes, that the undersigned has read the above statements and that the same are true and correct.

Signed this 9th day of January, 2004 by: Kevin Patrick & Magin Patrick
(Typed Names of Incorporators),

(Signatures of incorporators provided on official copies.)

(This web-friendly version is provided only for reference and may not be used as a replacement for an offical copy.)

If you would like to donate or volunteer, please contact us or click on the Paypal donation button at the top of the home page.

(use the "back" button on your browser to return to the previous page or go to our home page)

Thank you for visiting our site!

Site / Page design donated by Ron Durbin -Nightstyles & Daniel Thomas
Web Hosting donated by Kevin Ma
© 2004 All Rights Reserved.