This writer and world-wandering peace activist had been running the center and her free books program in various locations, since coming to Tinian to “retire” just before Christmas, 2005. The center took up half of her previously donated duplex for over two years, before she had to close it last August, due to the loss of the free building space.
Happily, she says, her generous landlord, Tinian businessman Edward Villagomez, has now arranged for a reduced rent for the entire building, so maïa can afford to again provide what so many on the island had come to depend on. “I asked the previous mayor and then the new one to help, since it’s for all of their people, but nothing came of it, so since I can’t stand to see all those who need it so badly do without, if I have to go without some things to squeeze the rent out of my Social Security check…my only income…then it’s worth it to me,” she said.
Teen-aged supporters of the Helping-Hands Center had packed up and moved all the clothing, shoes, and other items into donated storage space last year and just when that space had to be given up, to be used for housing, the offer to regain its old site popped up. “Just one more proof that we’re ‘meant’ to keep doing this,” maïa says. “I just wish I could start the same thing on our other islands, as it’s wonderful to see people helping each other like this. The people here bring in all the donated items, except for most of the books, which I get from donors around the world that I help with writing. It’s so easy to do. All you need is a building and someone to run it. I’d love to show them how to do it on Rota and even Saipan, if anyone is interested.”
The new/old location has just been repainted and if she can afford it, will have store shelving, instead of the odd assortment of tables and jury-rigged shelves as before. “There are some great used shelves for sale at Mrs. Kim’s store that I’m hoping I can manage to buy, so our new Center will be better than ever,” the ever-optimistic lady told us.
If all goes well, we’re told, the Center will reopen by the end of the month. Donations can be dropped off any time from now on, however, at the duplex behind the Tinian Mayor’s Office. Anyone wishing to volunteer their time and help to get the Center up and running again can call maïa at 433-9993, or come by any time, she said. And then added, “I’m just so happy to be able to reopen it and start stashing away donations for what will be our fifth annual ‘Christmas Give-Away’ that I’m in tears just writing about it. Thank you, Marianas Variety and especially Zaldy, for your always-there support over the years!”
