• David Sayre

The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands seeks hygiene products and monetary donations in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic

HONOLULU (March 22, 2020) – The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands today requested donations of hygiene products as their various statewide corps and programs ramp up to provide emergency disaster services in the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak in Hawaii. Supplies requested include hand sanitizers, paper products, cleaning products, face masks, and other personal protective equipment. Additional needs will be identified and shared in the coming days. Monetary donations also continue to be needed to assist the response efforts.

“It’s imperative we build up our supplies of personal protective equipment and hygiene products as we continue to assist the ever-growing demand for services in our communities,” said Victor Leonardi, Divisional Director of Emergency Services & Safety and Incident Commander for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “We also have an urgent need for monetary donations to help us secure food and supplies.”

The agency announced Thursday that all Salvation Army officers have been appointed into emergency disaster service roles in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, all Salvation Army facilities have shifted to emergency response mode and are being made available to governmental authorities for use as quarantine centers, housing for medically fragile individuals, food distribution locations, coronavirus testing, and any other services as needed. Exact uses will be determined and finalized in the coming days and weeks.

A few examples of current uses of facilities: Kroc Center Hawaii has closed. They are finalizing setting up a daycare for children of first responders and essential businesses. Kauluwela Corps’s adult day health services has temporarily closed and the space is being used to assemble food bags. And the Hilo Corps has expanded their food pantry distribution to two days a week. 

Monetary donations to support the efforts can be made at hawaii.salvationarmy.org. 

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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.