Support Needed During Volunteer Week Maui for Food Donations and Helping Hands

Maui Food Drive Volunteer Week.

Kanu Hawai‘i, alongside The County of Maui Volunteer Center and Hands on Maui, local non profits, and The County of Maui are reaching out to pivot their usual hand on efforts to instead support the essential organizations distributing food across Maui.

Last year more than 5,000 volunteers across the state came together in response to the call.

Mayor Victorino said “Volunteers who step up to make a difference are vitally important to our community, especially in providing safety net services to people most in need. In our ongoing COVID-19 crisis, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the generous businesses and volunteers who’ve made recent successful food drives possible.”

Next week Wednesday April 22, also marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. On behalf of Volunteer Week, Kanu, The County of Maui Volunteer Center and Hands on Maui, Nonprofits Surfrider, Love the Sea, and Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund will be lending promotional support to those organizations who currently help to distribute food across Maui.

Right now, the public can donate to Food Banks and go online to sign up to Volunteer for the future in case of emergency or Essential Volunteer Needs weekly at www.handsonmaui.com and statewide with Kanu Hawaiʻi.

Individuals can participate in supporting the Maui Food Bank, Feed My Sheep, and Maui Rapid Response.

“One dollar goes a long way and can support up to four meals for an individual at the Maui Food Bank. A $10 donation to Feed My Sheep Feeds a family of four for a week including the cost of transportation and staff,” organizers said.

Maui Rapid Response services over 1,250 Homeless every day including 50 kupuna and those who are undocumented immigrants that do not qualify for any programs.

“As we Respond With Aloha, we commit to building community resilience in face of the adversities due to COVID-19. Strengthening access to public health, healthcare, and social services is essential in promoting health, wellness, and disaster preparedness in the community,” said organizers.

To become a volunteer go to Hands on Network or directly here, and register through Maui County Health Department Volunteer Application.

Wendy Stebbins The County of Maui Volunteer Center and Hands on Maui said, ” If you would like to donate food items to these essential organizations this would be a great way to give back.”

The main focus is online donations, volunteer sign up, and four focus points on Maui during Volunteer Week. Next week the public is invited to drop off food donations at any of the drop off points managed by Surfrider, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, and Love the Sea.

“Love the Sea’s coalition and intention is to strengthen our volunteer network and to support the major organizations in need with Monetary Donations for food during this crisis. This year is a more virtual giveback unlike a typical hands on volunteer situation where you can sign up to be a volunteer we can be more prepared for our future. During Volunteer Week we also want to support the drop off of food donations with local non profits on the pre existing food distribution days on Maui,” said Executive Director Campbell Farrell

Food Donation Sites

Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Lahaina across from the Feed my Sheep distribution site on Waineʻe and Dickenson on the Maria Lanakila Church lawn. Drive by and two volunteer stations will collect donations directly passing vehicles.

Friday April 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Kūʻau Store Hāna Highway. Donations of Medical supplies for the homeless, donations and food donations will be accepted. Drive by and two volunteer stations will collect donations directly passing vehicles.

Saturday April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hope Chapel in Kīhei at the Surfrider Tent. Drive by and two volunteer stations will collect donations directly passing vehicles.

Kahului on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Auto Zone across from the Kahului Post Office Site, across the street at 127 S Puʻunēnē Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732