As Hurricane Lane continues on a track to potentially affect the Hawaiian Islands, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division reports that they are prepared to respond with community assistance as needed. The Salvation Army is part of a team of agencies providing assistance during events and works closely with the State of Hawai‘i Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
“The Salvation Army has an established presence on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, and Hawai‘i, and we are ready to respond in our island communities as needs arise,” said Captain Micheal Stack, Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Director for The Salvation Army–Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “During emergencies, the best way the public can help is to provide monetary donations which allows the delivery of the exact relief supplies a community needs. Plus, The Salvation Army uses one-hundred percent of all donations designated ‘disaster relief’ in support of disaster operations.”
Donations may be made online. Listings of current volunteer opportunities also may be found online.
Lava Updates:
MEAL SERVICE – Since May 9, The Salvation Army has been coordinating the food service with three meals per day to the emergency shelters in the Puna District. As of Aug. 17, a total of 55,766 meals have been served including 9,825 vegetarian meals. The Salvation Army is regularly purchasing meals to support vendors in Pāhoa, Kea‘au and Volcano Village.
DISTRIBUTION CENTER – Since May 13, The Salvation Army has been operating a distribution center at the Pāhoa Community Center in the Puna District. As of Aug. 15, there have been 2,109 visits from 1,120 households who have received donations from the distribution center including 1,703 mosquito repellant cans, 1,794 food boxes, 1,508 cases of water, and 1,131 hygiene kits. The distribution center is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – Since May 9, The Salvation Army has been supporting affected households with financial assistance to The Salvation Army’s three thrift stores on the Island of Hawai‘i. As of August 15, a total of 149 households have received financial assistance with a total of $16,625 in vouchers that can be redeemed at The Salvation Army’s thrift stores in Hilo, Honoka‘a, and Kailua-Kona.
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