By Libby Hopkins
“Kokua Lima” is Hawaiian for “helping hands” and that’s what Dellenna Wilson and her family wants to be for the Seffner community. The Wilson’s recently moved to the Seffner community from Hawaii because Wilson’s father was ill. Her husband, David, resigned from his job in Hawaii and took a new job in the Tampa area. Unfortunately, when the family arrived in town, they found out the job had fallen through. The family decided not to look at the job falling through as a misfortune. They knew this situation happened for a reason and that reason was to start their own business.
“When we got our income tax check, my husband and I decided to open up a store and help the community,” Wilson said. “We knew either way the money was going to be gone but at least we could do some good with it.”
The Kokua Lima Community Thrift store opened just over two months ago in Seffner. “We liked the area and my parents live in Seffner, so that’s why we wanted to open our store here,” Wilson said,
“We love that it’s a small town and we want to be a part of it.” They decided to donate 10 percent of every sale made in the store to the local schools in the Seffner community. Wilson said she knows what it’s like to raise a family on only one income. “I know what it’s like to raise four children on one income and I was appreciative of any help I could get,” Wilson said. “We want to help local families buy school clothes or school supplies.” She feels everyone is entitled to having quality clothes at a reasonable price.
Wilson said the 10 percent is taken out before they pay any bills associated with the store and then donated to a local school. They have already made a donation to Colson Elementary in Seffner and they are planning on making their next donation to Lopez Elementary in Seffner as well. The couple is also taking donations to help a father in the area pay for his daughter’s burial. “We really appreciate everyone who has come in and shopped in our store and we love being a part of this community,” Wilson said. “I just want to see God’s love bless us all.” The store is currently taking donations and they could be brought to the store Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
For more information, contact Wilson at 808-341-9288. The store is located at 1401 Lakeview Ave.
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