Kathryn Henski, a retired entrepreneur, is getting into the holiday spirit in her role as community service director of the Rotary Club of Waikiki.

When she learned that many local seniors in Hawaii would not be receiving a present to open on Christmas Day because they are alone, she came up with the idea of putting together some shoeboxes, inspired by a similar project for children.

This week, Henski and dozens of Rotary members, along with volunteers, gathered at Waikiki Community Center to assemble and wrap 100 boxes, which she has dubbed the “Senior Christmas Box Project.”

In addition, the club put together 30 more shoeboxes to be delivered to formerly homeless, working families starting a new life at Kahauiki Village between Nimitz Highway, Keehi Lagoon Park and Sand Island.

Once she put the word out to the club and community a month ago, Henski said she was surprised at the outpouring of generosity that followed, with donations coming in from all corners.

“I just love people and Christmas is my favorite time of the year,” said Henski, who joined the Rotary Club two years ago. “It’s my heart. It’s what I believe in, and I believe if you can, you give.”

Payless ShoeSource at Ala Moana Center donated 130 shoeboxes, while Longs Drugs donated more than 100 pill reminder boxes, the Ritz-Carlton and other hotels donated small soaps and shampoos, and local dentists donated toothbrushes.

Christmas ornaments donated by Amy’s Hallmark at Windward Mall went into the boxes, along with others handmade by volunteers. Some Waikiki residents also donated warm, woolly socks and striped washcloths. Each box included a signed Christmas card.

“It was really lots of fun,” Henski said.

Waikiki Community Center offered to let the Rotary use a room set up with a table, along with 10 senior volunteers to help wrap gifts.

For the homeless families, Henski said she will pack full bottles of shampoo, along with kitchen goods, frying pans and baby bottles as a housewarming gift. The packages will be presented at a special ceremony the Saturday before Christmas.

“The motto of Rotary International throughout the world is service above self,” Henski said. “This is a service organization.”