Hope Services Hawaii<\/a> CEO Brandee Menino said her organization has been working with churches in Ka\u02bbu to reach residents who may have limited connectivity or transportation.<\/p>\n\u201cMaking sure the kupuna that, you know, that was not connected, didn\u2019t have power, no access to water, had that information so then they can receive these supplies,\u201d Menino said.<\/p>\n
Hope Services Hawaii also prepared 50 food kits with nonperishable items requested by seniors in Pahala. The kits included foods that did not require heating or cooking and were delivered to seniors at P\u0101hala Elderly Housing through church volunteers.<\/p>\n
Menino said the organization is also helping residents with needs that go beyond food and supplies.<\/p>\n
One mother who came to a food pantry after the storm was looking for help replacing her SNAP benefits after losing her card during the hurricane. Staff helped her complete the replacement process online.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe just needed help to replace her SNAP benefits. She, you know, lost her card in this hurricane, so we helped her,\u201d Menino said.<\/p>\n
Menino said those individual interactions are helping organizations identify needs that may otherwise go unnoticed.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust really kind of filling the gaps, hearing what people need and trying to meet that need,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
As power has been restored to most of Hawaii Island, the network of emergency donation centers is also winding down.<\/p>\n
Ikeda said Saturday, Aug. 29, is the final day the community donation centers will accept physical goods. The centers have collected items including toiletries and bottled water.<\/p>\n
Vibrant Hawaii is directing clothing donations to Goodwill and nonperishable food donations to The Food Basket, which continues to distribute food to communities affected by the storm.<\/p>\n
Although physical donation centers are closing, Ikeda said financial donations will continue to be important as recovery moves forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will definitely still need financial donations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Donations can be made through Vibrant Hawaii\u2019s website<\/a>. <\/p>\nInformation about clothing donations is available through Goodwill Hawaii, while food donations can be directed to The Food Basket.<\/p>\n
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