As we approach the close of another remarkable year, we at Kiku extend our deepest gratitude for your continued support and commitment to our mission. This has been a year of growth, connection, and community impact — and none of it would be possible without you.

Your generosity goes far beyond dollars — it brings care, connection, and joy to our seniors.

$25 Ensure a senior enjoys one month of nutritious, home-cooked Japanese meals they look forward to. $50 Provide 10 seniors with a warm, welcoming day of friendship, activities, and cultural connection at Club Kiku. $100 Give 10 young adults the chance to learn Japanese American home cooking and cultural traditions. $250 Support 10 seniors with a month of delicious, home-cooked, nutritious Japanese bentos. $500 Ensure Akimatsuri San Diego thrives by supporting a festival that brings food, music, art, and community connection to San Diego. $1,000 Provide direct case management support for a senior in need.

As we continue to reach more Nikkei seniors, we know that sustaining our programs means building a strong foundation for the future. Together, we can nourish bodies, lift spirits, and keep our traditions alive — one meal, one celebration, and one act of kindness at a time.

🍱 Kiku Bento: Nourishing Body and Spirit

Our Kiku Bento Program continues to thrive, serving Japanese homestyle meals that bring comfort and nourishment to seniors and homebound community members throughout San Diego. This year, we are proud to share that over 15,000 meals were prepared and delivered — supported by more than 8,000 volunteer hours. Each bento represents far more than a meal — it is an expression of care, connection, and cultural continuity.

🎨 Club Kiku: A Monthly Haven for Seniors

Established in partnership with Pioneer Ocean View United Church of Christ, Club Kiku has become a cherished monthly gathering for seniors. Every third Wednesday, elders from across the community come together to share laughter, stories, and friendship through activities ranging from crafts and workshops to exercise and cultural discussions. Club Kiku reminds us that community is not a place, but the people we share it with.

💞 Social Services: Providing Care and Guidance

Kiku’s Social Services Program continues to expand its reach through our Senior Outreach and Support Program and Senior Home Maintenance Assistance Program. These free services connect older adults with essential resources and compassionate assistance — from medical appointments, benefits paperwork, and housing options to volunteer handyman help for light home repairs. Our bilingual team ensures that no senior is left to navigate life’s challenges alone.

🍙 Kiku Cooking: Passing Down Our Traditions

This year, we proudly launched Kiku Cooking, a new program for young adults eager to learn Japanese American home cooking. Through intergenerational classes, participants learn recipes, techniques, and family stories from elders — keeping our cultural heritage alive through the joy of shared meals.

🏮Akimatsuri San Diego: Celebrating Community

In November, Kiku proudly presented the first-ever Akimatsuri San Diego Japanese Festival, bringing together nonprofits, vendors, and community organizations across San Diego. The festival celebrated Japanese and Japanese American culture through food, music, art, and togetherness. It marks the beginning of what we hope will become a beloved annual tradition — one that reflects gratitude, harvest, and the bonds that tie our community together.

🤝 Your Support Matters

As we look to the year ahead, we invite you to help sustain and grow these vital programs. Your donation — whether one-time or recurring — directly supports the meals, activities, and services that make a tangible difference in the lives of our community members. Your generosity ensures that we can continue to serve our seniors and community with compassion, dignity, and cultural pride. From all of us at Kiku, thank you for being part of our journey.

We wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright, hopeful New Year.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kiku

Kiku Annual Giving

Strengthening Community, Culture, and Care

Team Members