Mother’s Day Celebrated at Pāhoa & Kea‘au Shelters
Two American Red Cross shelters remain open for residents evacuated from their homes due to the Kilauea lava threat at the following locations as of May 14, 2018.
- Pāhoa Community Center (15-3022 Kauhale Street, Pāhoa
- Kea‘au Community Center (16-186 Pili Mua St, Kea‘au
Yesterday, May 13, the American Red Cross of Hawaii, together with community partners Ahiu Hawaii, Hawaii Land Stewards, Kalalau Ranch, doTERRA and Paradise Automotive, hosted a Mother’s Day event for moms staying at the shelters.
The event included lunch, desserts, entertainment, chair massage, Mother’s Day card-making, lei and gift bags.
An estimated 250 people attended, including about 150 mothers from the Pāhoa shelter. About 40 residents at the Kea‘au shelter were also treated to massage, treats, flowers and gifts.
“During this time of uncertainty and hardship in having to evacuate their homes and stay in a shelter, we wanted our mothers to know that they are loved and appreciated,” said Coralie Matayoshi, Hawaii Red Cross CEO.
As of midnight, there were about 484 residents at the Pāhoa shelter and 25 residents at the Kea‘au shelter. At this time, 82 Red Cross workers have been assisting evacuees with their immediate emergency needs.
Since May 3, the Red Cross, along with Hawai‘i County partners, have distributed hundreds of blankets, sheets, pillows, futons, towels, masks, toiletry kits and other items; as well as over 6,400 snacks.
The Red Cross is also working with the Salvation Army to provide meals. Additionally, trained Red Cross nurses and mental health volunteers are staffing the shelters and have provided health and mental health services to over 700 individuals.
Mahalo to Ahiu Hawaii, Hawaii Land Stewards, Kalalau Ranch, doTERRA, Healing Hands Foundation, and Paradise Automotive for sponsoring the lunch, massage, gift bags, and entertainment.
Zippy’s Napoleon Bakery, KTA Superstores, Big Island Candies, and Island Naturals are donating desserts, and Target has leis for these special moms.