(U.S. Coast Guard photos and video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rob Lester/Released)To view or download video and photos click on the associated image above or visit https://goo.gl/RPzLAF.
WAILUKU, Maui — Coast Guard Station Maui partnered with the Salvation Army to deliver toys to the children of Molokai, Friday.A Coast Guard 45-foot Motor Lifeboat crew loaded and delivered 800 toys and clothes to the Salvation Army on Molokai to be given out to the children through the Salvation Army. Lt. Romelia Howard, the Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division Kahului corps officer, reached out to the Coast Guard as the Molokai ferry used in previous years was unavailable. Howard and her crew rode along with Coast Guard members for the delivery. The division seeks to help over 600 families throughout Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. “The crew really jumped at the opportunity to help out and make this happen,” said Petty Officer 1st Class John Murphy, executive petty officer at Station Maui. “Many of them haven’t been a part of something like this before. We’re pleased to partner with the Salvation Army on this and bring these gifts to Molokai.”The Coast Guard has been bringing holiday cheer and assisting with community needs throughout the Nation for more than 200 years when they brought doctors and dentists to remote parts of the U.S. and its territories. Santa frequently makes appearances throughout the country aboard Coast Guard assets when his sleigh is in for maintenance.