'Auntie Barbie' delivers holiday joy to needy children

By Tanya Bricking
Advertiser Staff Writer

If Barbara Wilson didn't know better, there would be no reason for her to get choked up about 120 children ripping open holiday gifts.

Except she knows the presents under this tree at Camp Kokokahi are for kids who come from abusive homes like the one that she escaped.

She knows that all these kids want for Christmas may be too much for Santa to swing this year.

That's why making Christmas bright for young victims of domestic violence has become "Auntie Barbie" Wilson's mission.

This year marks the fourth annual Christmas camp in Kane'ohe for children of abuse, and from homeless shelters and the streets of O'ahu.

The tradition that started with nine children from one shelter has grown into a much bigger activity-packed weekend for dozens of 5- to 15-year-olds.

The idea grew out of Wilson's own tragedy.

In 1996, Wilson, now 35, fled an abusive husband and sought refuge along with her parents, siblings and son.

They all felt the grip of fear she sees in the faces of strangers.

With the help of her family and Rita Martin, director of Hale Ola Windward Abuse Shelter, she was able to return the gift of the kindness of strangers.

Their goal has been to create a ranch where children from troubled families can stay until their families find stability.

They opened the Christmas camp last year to homeless children, and the idea has spawned monthly overnight trips at Camp Kokokahi at the YWCA Windward branch at Kane'ohe Bay.

"The whole program started because we were in the shelter," Wilson said. "So the whole thing for me is that I'm finally able to help the children."

For her father, Bob Wilson, the highlight every year is playing Santa, as he did Saturday, and watching fear disappear on the faces of delighted children who receive gifts donated to the Marines' Toys for Tots program.

For volunteer Bill Sager, the joy comes in watching children enjoying the outdoors or making Smores at a campfire on the beach.

"These children are torn out of the only homes they've ever known to live in domestic-violence shelters with very strict rules," Sager said. "We're giving them a chance to run and play.

"We try to incorporate a link to nature. It may be kayaking on the bay or taking a hike."

Food also was a highlight of this year's Christmas camp, which began Friday and included decorating gingerbread cookies donated by Craig's Bakery of Kailua and a Sunday dinner that included six turkeys.

Barbara Wilson said she enjoyed offering seconds to shelter kids who aren't used to having their plates piled high.

"The spirit of Christmas doesn't get me until I get with the kids," she said.

"My healing and my son's healing and my family's healing — we've been able to heal by helping others, and that's really what this is all about."

Reach Tanya Bricking at 525-8026 or tbricking@honoluluadvertiser.com