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Remember the needy this holiday season

By Staff | Dec 3, 2009

This holiday season, give a gift to the community by helping the needy.

As explained in recent issues of the Lahaina News, Na Hale O Wainee Resource Center helps residents get off the streets and beaches, gain stability in their lives and learn personal and job skills. To volunteer, or to make a donation, call 662-0076.

Victor Bellarosa and other dedicated volunteers in the Light Bringers have helped the homeless, senior citizens and the “working poor” with a variety of programs since the 1990s.

To donate food for needy people who aren’t necessarily in the social services system, call 661-1934.

Another group that needs help for the holiday season is the Maui Food Bank. This vital charity encourages businesses, schools, churches and community groups to hold Holiday Food Drives through Jan. 31.

“You can help the hungry living in Maui County by holding a Holiday Food Drive… Your partnership with the Maui Food Bank will help provide food for over 10,000 needy people in our island ‘ohana,” the group explained on its website.

“Every day of the year, it is our goal to help the hungry — especially during the holidays. More families and individuals living in Maui County are being affected by the recession and the current rise in unemployment. The Maui Food Bank is reaching out to those newly affected by hunger through over 100 partner agencies and programs. It will take our entire island ‘ohana working together to solve the hunger problem we are facing in Maui County.”

Right now, the top seven most needed items are financial contributions, canned meat and tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals and soups with protein, cereal, rice and pasta.

To volunteer, or for more information, call Maui Food Bank at 243-9500.

The Salvation Army, Na Hale O Wainee, Light Bringers, Maui Food Bank and other charities need your contributions during these tough times. Add them to your gift lists and help Maui families this holiday season.