Here's how to help those affected by the Big Island eruptions
HAWAII (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Big Island is seeing an outpouring of support from neighbors and strangers as the Kilauea eruptions continue.
Here's a look at how you can help evacuees:
► Catholic Charities Hawaii is collecting donations for a temporary housing fund for Big Island residents displaced by the eruptions in Puna. The donations, which will be added to a $10,000 grant, will go toward providing temporary rent subsidies for Puna residents. Those wishing to donate can do so online or by phone at 808-527-4820.
► The Salvation Army has a distribution center in Pahoa and volunteers are needed to help sort and distribute items. Donations of food and water should be directed to partner agencies like the Food Basket. Clothing donations can be given to any one of The Salvation Army's three stores on the Big Island. Current donations requested for the distribution center includes:
- Blankets
- Camping chairs
- Clothing
- Cots
- Thick outdoor garbage bags
- Flashlights
- Pillows
- Sleeping bags
► Community members have set up an organization, Pu'uhonua o Puna, to coordinate donations and get information to affected residents. The group has a center on Highway 130 in Pahoa, and donations can be dropped off there from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
►AT&T has launched their text-to-donate campaign specific to the eruptions in Puna. Customers who want to help those impacted by the Kilauea volcano eruptions can donate $10 to the Hawaii Community Foundation via our text-to-donate campaign, by texting "VOLCANO" to 50555. 100 percent of the money donated will go to help the victims of the volcano.
► The Hawaii Community Foundation, together with Anderson-Beck Fund, Jack's Fund and the Darrin & Darien Gee Family Fund, have established the Hawaii Island Volcano Recovery Fund to assist with recovery efforts in support of Hawaii Island communities affected by the Kilauea volcano eruption. Donations to the Hawaii Island Volcano Recovery Fund can be made online or by mail at Hawaii Community Foundation, 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96813.
► Donations may also be made directly to the American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter by clicking here or calling (808) 739-8109. The Red Cross also needs volunteers at its three Big Island shelters:
- Pahoa Community Center at 15-3022 Kauhale St, Pahoa, HI 96778
- Keaau Community Center at 16-186 Pili Mua St., Keeau, HI 96749
- Sure Foundation Church at 16-1592 Pohaku Circle, Keeau, HI 96749
► Emergency Disaster Services and volunteers from the Salvation Army are requesting large-volume meal donations from local restaurants and certified kitchens. They also need volunteers to help sort donations and clothing items with the launch of their new voucher program for residents impacted by the Kilauea eruptions. Those wishing to help can call Salvation Army at 808-756-0306 or sign up to volunteer online.
► Donations of food and bottled water can be given to Food Basket or Hawaii Island's Foodbank.
► GoFundMe has a page listing several funds that have been started to support families and individuals affected by the Kilauea eruptions.
► Several local businesses and organizations have also pitched in to support Big Island residents affected by the destructive lava flows. First Hawaiian Bank partnered with Child and Family Service to offer direct assistance to affected residents with transitional housing and counseling for individuals and families with children experiencing trauma.
They are also collecting donations at all 61 branches in Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan as part of their Aloha Hawaii Fund, to provide relief for victims of the Kilauea eruptions, as well as recovery efforts for flood victims on Kauai and East Oahu.
► Customers at any Foodland or Sack N' Save in Hawaii are able to donate $5, $10, or $20 to help Big Island residents displaced by the eruptions, beginning on Wednesday.
►First Hawaiian Bank is extending the donation acceptance period until June 30th to the Aloha For Hawaii Fund. Donations can be made at all First Hawaiian Bank branches throughout Hawaii, Guam and Saipan.
This story may be updated.
Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
