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As Hawaii continues to experience the impact of Tropical Storm Lane, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) has been asked to serve as the lead agency for the Hawaii Mass Care Feeding Task Force, coordinating emergency feeding throughout the islands for this storm event. Part of a team of agencies providing assistance during events, The Salvation Army works closely with the State of Hawaii Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and other state and federal agencies.
Although the slow-moving Lane diminished in strength as it approached Hawaii, it still caused torrential rainfall, especially on the Big Island and Maui, according to NPR.
“Initial meal service needs were identified at three emergency shelters on Oahu last night due to a high population of homeless individuals who had taken shelter but were unable to provide their own food supplies,” said Captain Micheal Stack, Divisional EDS Director.
“Those three shelters included Dole Intermediate School, Farrington High School and McKinley High School. Although Oahu shelters and other shelters across the state are expected to close today, the task force will be assessing and coordinating feeding needs as the storm’s impacts continue to be assessed on each island,” Stack said on Aug. 25.
“We also are requesting interested groups or entities with feeding capacity to complete a online form so that the task force can quickly contact them should the need arise in their area across the state during this and potential future events, Stack said. “The form is available now at hawaii.salvationarmy.org. Simply click the ‘provide meals’ button on the main page to link to the form.
“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.
