Credit unions step up for food drive

LIHUE — The different credit unions on Kauai invite their members and the public to participate in a food drive on Kauai.

Starting today and running through Oct. 24, credit unions will be accepting contributions, either monetary or nonperishable food, to benefit the Kauai Independent Food Bank.

“It is imperative that we all join in this initiative for an admirable and worthy cause,” said Melvin Chiba, president of the Kauai Chapter of the Hawaii Credit Union League. “Let your family and friends know and invite credit union members and non-members to participate by giving generously. Most importantly, the message is to raise awareness within our own community and how the food drive helps those families in need.”

The credit union league has established “End Hunger” as its theme and a goal to raise $10,000 in monetary donations and 10,000 pounds of food.

“Food and money collected on Kauai stays on Kauai and helps feed the island’s many hungry families,” Chiba said.

Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours at the following credit unions: Garden Island Federal Credit Union in Lihue, located behind the Lihue Post Office, and in Koloa across the Koloa Missionary Church; the Kauai Community Federal Credit Union branches in Waimea, Eleele, Kukui Grove, Lihue, and Kapaa; the Kauai Government Employees Federal Credit Union; the Kauai Teachers Federal Credit Union in Lihue, behind Aloha Furniture; the Kekaha Federal Credit Union; and the McBryde Federal Credit Union in the Eleele Shopping Center.

Charlene Garcia of the GIFCU said as an incentive for people to contribute, they will host an indoor flea market Oct. 10 featuring baked goods and other items, with proceeds benefitting the food drive.

Other credit unions will be hosting special events with proceeds going to the food drive.

Additionally, all  will be hosting open houses on Oct. 16, which has been designated as International Credit Union Day.