Robyn Washousky’s commitment to philanthropy has transformed the lives of many families in need through her work with Helping Hands Hawai‘i’s Adopt a Family campaign. This initiative aims to provide essential items to local families on their wish lists, ensuring that those in challenging situations receive support during the holiday season.
Washousky’s journey into charitable giving began in her childhood in Clarence, N.Y., where she volunteered alongside her father at homeless shelters. This early exposure to community service laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to helping others. After taking on leadership roles in philanthropy clubs during her college years, she moved to Hawaii, where she has spent the last 14 years spearheading workplace donation drives for the Adopt a Family campaign.
According to Kristine Garabiles, program manager at Helping Hands Hawai‘i’s Community Clearinghouse, the campaign allows donors to “adopt a family” by selecting items from their wish lists. Alternatively, contributors can donate online to ensure gifts are purchased for families who have not yet been matched. “The gifts that they get for the family, they’ll drop off at us to receive and then we plan the distribution for the families to come pick up,” Garabiles explained.
This year, the campaign aims to serve 550 households across Oahu and nearby islands, including at least 100 kupuna (elders). Washousky first learned about the campaign while working at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii. Recognizing the potential impact of pooling office donations, she initiated her workplace’s participation, which continued for the 13 years she was there. “Really, what warms my heart is giving back to others,” Washousky said. “It’s kind of just something that I continue looking forward to every year.”
Now serving as the executive director at Asia Pacific Aesthetics, Washousky has brought the Adopt a Family campaign with her. This year, the family they adopted—a single mother with two children who recently escaped domestic violence—had a wish list that resonated deeply with her. “What they were asking for are things that we take for granted every single day—sheets, blankets, shampoo, conditioner, pots and pans—really just the basic necessities,” she noted. “They weren’t asking for PlayStation or name-brand shoes and clothes.”
Her colleague, Nicole Navarro, who serves as administrator for Asia Pacific Aesthetics, expressed enthusiasm for the campaign. “We all enjoyed being a part of this Adopt a Family campaign. It was nice to see the office come together for a good cause,” Navarro stated via text message. She plans to involve her family in future contributions, demonstrating a personal commitment to supporting families in need.
This campaign holds special significance for Washousky due to her family history. Her father, Richard C. Washousky, a major influence in her life, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2014. Over the eight years following this diagnosis, she made it a priority to ensure her children spent time with him, traveling between Hawaii and Buffalo, N.Y. “Family is everything. To my dad, I made a promise to him. He had told me, ‘Please keep this family together,’” Washousky shared.
Coordinating family gatherings has been challenging, especially with a brother living in Pennsylvania, a sister in South Carolina, and their mother in North Carolina. “We’re trying to keep that family together while we’re all over the place,” she remarked. “It’s tough. But it’s one thing I do my best to make happen because I don’t want to see our family drift apart. I know that he’s not here anymore, but I know that’s something that would make him proud.”
Washousky’s brother, David Washousky, reflected on their father’s values, emphasizing the importance of doing good deeds. “My dad was always big on ‘doing the right thing,’” he said via text message. “We all know what that means deep down, but it’s usually a little harder or more uncomfortable to put yourself out there to make a difference.”
Washousky also played a mentoring role in the community, serving as a big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, despite her naturally reserved demeanor. “I’m sure that wasn’t comfortable for her, given her quiet nature. But I’m also sure it made a difference in someone else’s life,” her brother recalled.
Although the registration period for Adopt a Family donors has closed, there are still ways to support families in need. Contributions can be made online at helpinghandshawaii.org or through the donation of gift cards and unwrapped gifts at the Community Clearinghouse located at 2100 N. Nimitz Hwy. Donations will benefit families who have not yet been matched with a donor, ensuring that the spirit of giving continues throughout the holiday season.
