Image: AI illustration of new, unwrapped gifts for a holiday donation drive.

Christmas giving is already underway in Aiea, where Pearlside Church is asking neighbors to adopt a family in need this holiday season.

Through its yearly Adopt an ʻOhana campaign, the church has been asked to help care for more than 1,200 individuals and 400 families, according to Pearlside.

Those families and individuals come from the church's communities, schools and congregations.

At the main campus, 98-771 Oihana Place in Aiea, an Adopt an ʻOhana display is set up during weekend services on Nov. 13–15 and Nov. 20–22, where people can choose a family to help.

New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at weekend services on Nov. 27–29 and Dec. 4–6, which are the last days to turn in gifts at the main campus.

Anyone who would rather give money can do so the same way they would give a regular offering, as long as the donation is designated to Adopt an ʻOhana.

Pearlside's Waipahu and Liliha congregations share those dates, while its Kapolei, Ewa, Mililani, Nanakuli and Kahala campuses list their own schedules.

The church is also collecting food for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank at its in-person services.

Items needed include canned proteins such as tuna, chicken, Spam and Vienna sausage, canned meals like stew, spaghetti and chili, canned vegetables and fruits, and rice.

Last year, the congregation's food drive collected 1,609 pounds of food and more than $23,000 in donations.

Pearlside also serves as an ʻOhana Produce Plus distribution site with the Hawaiʻi Foodbank, with distributions typically held on the first Saturday of each month.

Another way to give is coming up Saturday, Nov. 21, when the church hosts a Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi blood drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the main campus lobby.

Questions can go to the church office at (808) 484-0061 or info@pearlside.org.

For 400 families, a gift from a neighbor could make all the difference this Christmas.