• David Sayre

The Salvation Army readies for Hurricane Lane; continues Puna lava flow response

HONOLULU (Aug. 22, 2018) – As Hurricane Lane continues on a track to potentially affect the Hawaiian Islands, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division today announced 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 Hawaii Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

“The Salvation Army has an established presence on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii, and we are ready to respond in our island communities as needs arise,” said Captain Micheal Stack, Emergency Disaster Services 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 at hawaii.salvationarmy.org. Listings of current volunteer opportunities also may be found at hawaii.salvationarmy.org.

Puna Lava Flow EDS Outreach Update No. 14 

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 August 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 Pahoa, Keaau, and Volcano Village.

DISTRIBUTION CENTER – Since May 13, The Salvation Army has been operating a distribution center at the Pahoa Community Center in the Puna District. As of August 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 a.m. 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 Hawaii. 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, Honokaa, and Kailua-Kona.

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About The Salvation Army Disaster Services 

The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to serve those impacted by disasters, however long it takes, because they are there before, during, and after impact. Beyond serving immediate physical needs, they also meet the emotional and spiritual needs that are unique to catastrophic events. The Salvation Army: 

 

• Delivers disaster relief to an average of 382,000 people annually. 

• Serves every ZIP code in the United States and touches almost 25 million lives a year.

• Has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900. 

• Remains in communities until needs are met and beyond. 

About The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division 

The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division covers the state of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands including Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands and The Federated States of Micronesia. The Division offers a wide variety of programs throughout the islands including: adult day health services; affordable senior housing; at-risk youth services and housing; camp & conference center; family stores; food distribution and feeding programs; homeless services; The Kroc Center – Hawaii’s largest community center; preschools & day care services; social services – emergency assistance; substance abuse treatment; and work therapy & rehabilitation services. For more information, call 808-988-2136, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.