Lanakila Meals on Wheels and more!, Hawaii's largest and only island-wide meal provider for seniors, is collecting household items for homebound seniors during the holidays. These "Kupuna Care Packages" will be delivered along with our Christmas hot meal delivery, to brighten the holiday and provide some much needed relief for the seniors.
"During these tough economic times, this is a way that our community can give back without tapping into their pocketbooks" said Marian Tsuji, president and CEO. "About one in three people haven't been able to contribute as much financially this year, because of the state of the economy."
Lanakila Meals on Wheels and more! still faces a funding shortfall of $40,000 to continue services for seniors currently in the program, including the special holiday deliveries. Fulfilling this monetary need, would enable the program to continue meal service throughout the fiscal year ending June 2009, however, sadly, the program is still facing a waiting list that continues to grow due to a lack of funds.
"During this special time of year, we ask that people reach deep into their hearts and find a place that they are able to give, either through our Kupuna Care Packages or a monetary donation," said Brandon Mitsuda, Deputy Director of Lanakila Meals on Wheels and more! "We appreciate all that the community has done, and need your continued support in stepping up to the plate to reach Hawaii's seniors in need."
Suggested items for Kupuna Care Packages:
- Toilet tissue*
- Paper towels
- Small packets of Kleenex*
- Soap, toiletries*
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Dishwashing & laundry detergent*
*unscented, if possible
Donated items may be delivered to Lanakila Meals and Wheels and more! at 1809 Bachelot Street, anytime Monday- Friday, between 9am 3pm by December 5 if possible. Lanakila Meals on Wheels and more! also still urgently needs monetary donations as the holidays near, and while we have gratefully received enough volunteers for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, volunteers are still needed to help with regular weekday deliveries, packaging and office support. For more information, please call 531-0555 or visit www.lanakilamow.org.
About Lanakila Meals on Wheels and more!
A program of Lanakila Pacific, Lanakila Meals on Wheels and more! is Hawaii's largest and only island-wide meal provider for seniors, serving over 1,700 nutritionally balanced meals and more a day. Delivering more than a nutritious meal, the volunteer may be a senior's only personal contact each day. We provide nutrition education and counseling, monitor health and welfare, and serve as an important bridge to support services, helping seniors remain in their own homes rather than more costly premature institutionalization.
Lanakila Meals on Wheels and more! is a program of Lanakila Pacific, a unique Hawaii based nonprofit that has been a vital community resource since 1939. Lanakila Pacific's programs and social enterprises currently serve over 4,000 Oahu residents annually with programs that build life skills, which in turn support our greater community. More information at www.lanakilapacific.org
