Xerox and HUGS: Strengthening and Improving the Lives of Hawaii’s Families

Something as simple as a hug can be worth a million words, especially if you are a family taking care of a seriously ill child. A hug can say, “I care, I hurt with you, hang in there.” No family deserves to have a sick child, but what’s more, no family should feel alone throughout the process.

In 1982, a small group of volunteers on Oahu recognized the challenges and stressors that families with ill children face. Originally known as the Young People’s Support Center, they renamed after hearing a family state, “sometimes the only thing even a doctor can do is give you a hug.”

Now known as HUGS, the organization helps over 400 families with programs such as:

  • Family dinner and movie nights
  • Local activities and evening events for moms, dads and guardians
  • Respite nights
  • Hospital visitations
  • Financial assistance
  • And much more

They are committed to strengthening and improving the quality of life for families who face the emotional and financial hardship of caring for a seriously ill child.

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Pictured: The Xerox® Business Solutions Hawaii team at a locally sponsored HUGS family event
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These special nights help to lift the children’s spirits and give the families a chance to relax while spending time together with our team from Xerox Hawaii as a caring community of support. We are proud and honored to partner with an organization like HUGS that helps make a monumental impact on our local community. This is a relationship that we look forward to continuing in the years to come.

Glenn Sexton
President, Xerox® Business Solutions Hawaii

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Since 2013, Xerox Hawaii has been a proud partner of HUGS. Our employees look forward to hosting the HUGS family fun night every year. It is an absolute pleasure interacting with the wonderful HUGS families and seeing the children enjoying the activities created by our employee volunteers.

Burt Fujimoto
Director of Technical Solutions, Xerox® Business Solutions Hawaii

The HUGS organization holds a special place in the hearts of the Xerox® Business Solutions Hawaii team, having some employees who have had children in the programs. The relationship started in 2013 by sponsoring a Family Night. These nights help to lift the children’s spirits and give families a chance to spend time together and provide support to each other.

We have continued to sponsor these Family Nights once a year. However, COVID changed the plans up a bit. Our team donated $2,000 to provide dinner gift cards and a virtual “Magic of Science” show, giving the kids a safe at-home activity to do as a virtual community.

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Thank you, Xerox Hawaii, for organizing an amazing family dinner at HUGS! Our families and HUGS kids loved the food and activities that your team donated and created. Your kindness and special gifts ensure that our 400-plus families throughout Hawaii don’t have to face their journey alone.

Joan Naguwa
Executive Direction, HUGS

We are proud and honored to partner with an organization like HUGS that helps make a monumental impact on our local community. This is a relationship that we intend to maintain and grow throughout the years and are excited to see where it takes us.
Learn More About Our Local Impact

More About HUGS

Founds in 1982, the HUGS mission: To strengthen Hawaii's families and improve their quality of life as they face the emotional and financial hardships of caring for a seriously ill child.

To learn more about HUGS and see how you can get involved, visit them online at hugshawaii.org.

More About Xerox® Business Solutions Hawaii

Xerox® Business Solutions Hawaii, located in Honolulu, has been helping workplaces of all sizes make digital transformation since 1961. We help organizations by providing the latest Xerox technology ranging from ConnectKey® enabled copiers and printers to helping maintain and secure IT infrastructures through Xerox® IT Services offering.

Want to make a digital transformation for your workplace? Try us today!