Updated: Serving Puna – It’s Our Turn

photo: Hawaii News Now

Helping Serve Meals in Puna

Pastor Eric received a request from the Salvation Army, the group responsible for feeding those in the shelters; they are asking for help serving meals at the Pahoa and Keaau shelters.

The Board of Stewardship and Mission has organized the first group to help serve meals at the shelter in Kea’au. Our “shift” is Friday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 pm starting June 15, 2018. If you would like to help, please call Momi Lyman at 935-1283 and leave your name, contact information, and the best time you can help.

It is our honor to be able to assist those who have been displaced due to the volcano.  We are grateful for the number of folks willing to help and will notify the you prior to the designated dates of service.  Thank you to all who offered to help; we will use as many of you as possible.   Here is some information volunteers will need to know:

1. We are serving dinners at the Kea`au Armory shelter. Drive to Keaau on Volcano High-way 11, at the turnoff to Pahoa, turn right into the Shipman Park soccer fields. Continue up the hill and the Armory is at the top.  Carpooling is suggested and each group may work out its own arrangements.
2. Arrive at the Armory at 5:30. Hair should be pulled back (wear a hat or cap) and covered shoes are recommended. You must check in with Red Cross workers and proceed to the dining area on the right.   Put on gloves and help set up food.
3. Start food service at 6 pm. Salvation Army workers will lead the evening prayer and let you know how much food to serve.   Residents may come back for seconds—health regulations do not allow residents to touch the food prior to serving.
4. Clean up at 7 pm. Dispose of or try to give away hot food that has been set out. Wash/dry serving utensils and pans, and wipe down the service tables, and eating tables.
5. Please check out with Salvation Army worker before leaving. Presently we are work-ng on setting up groups for July.

We are also considering some additional ways to provide assistance to people displaced and to aid workers who have come to help.

We will continue to collect non-perishable food items, bottled water, and monetary donations on behalf of those affected by the volcanic eruption in Leilani Estates and elsewhere in Puna.

If you would like to volunteer, the Red Cross is coordinating efforts at the shelters in Pahoa and Keaau. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to register. The interfaith community is also offering chaplaincy support and may add an additional corps of volunteers as needed.

First and foremost, lift your prayers!
 

Volunteer Opportunities to Help Volcano Evacuees

We’ve received this information via Interfaith Communities in Action, which is part of the coordinating group responding to the needs in Puna.

1) Help the food bank sort and package donations for distribution.

   Contact the Hawaii Food Basket at 933-6030.
 
 2) If you have the capability to feed 400+ people: Provide meals.

      Contact the Salvation Army at 935 -1277. The Salvation Army can provide provisions and find a certified kitchen if you don’t have your own.