Maui “Hats Off” to the American Red Cross, April 1-3

By Wendy Osher

Image courtesy Maui Red Cross.

The Maui Red Cross holds its annual Hats Off event this weekend to raise funds for disaster relief here at home.  First responders on Maui will take their hats off from April 1-3, 2011 as a salute to the American Red Cross.  They will be visiting local businesses over the next three days, and will be asking the public to help fill their hats with donations.

This fundraiser is specifically to help the “local” efforts of the Red Cross that provide critical programs and services to communities here in Hawaii.

There will be a collection drive on Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Kahului Safeway, Pukalani Superette, and Kahului Longs at the Maui Mall.  Mayor Alan Arakawa will assist during a portion of the collection drive at the Pukalani location on Saturday.  Volunteers will also collect donations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 1-3, at Kahului Walmart from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hats Off to the Red Cross Poster, click to view in detail.

“In Maui County, our Red Cross volunteers respond to everyday disasters like house fires and floods, providing emergency assistance and emotional support to those affected,” said Michele Liberty, Maui Red Cross County Director.

“Whether it’s an earthquake or winter storm, the Red Cross will be there. Because we are not a government agency, we rely on the generosity and aloha from the people in Maui County to provide these critical services for our community,” said Liberty.

The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides assistance for immediate emergency needs in a disaster.  All assistance through the Red Cross for disaster victims is free, due to generous donations provided by the community.

To help the Red Cross and its lifesaving mission, contributions can be sent to the American Red Cross, 45 North Market Street, Suite A, Wailuku, HI 96793; via a secure online donation at www.hawaiiredcross.org; or by calling (808) 244-0051.