LIHUE — The credit unions on Kauai are striking out against people being hungry. Starting today and continuing through May 22, the credit unions are inviting people to join them in this campaign by dropping off non-perishable food or a
LIHUE — The credit unions on Kauai are striking out against people being hungry.
Starting today and continuing through May 22, the credit unions are inviting people to join them in this campaign by dropping off non-perishable food or a monetary contribution at any of the credit unions on the island.
“This year marks four years of the credit unions working together as one, supporting the efforts of the Kauai Independent Food Bank,” said Terri Kaniho of the Kauai Community Federal Credit Union. “This year, our goal is to raise $15,000 in cash while collecting as many food items as we are able to.”
Contributors to the food drive are invited to visit any of the drop off sites, including the Garden Island Federal Credit Union in Lihue and Koloa, the Kauai Government Employees Federal Credit Union, the Kauai Teachers Federal Credit Union, the Kekaha Federal Credit Union, and the McBryde Federal Credit Union.
Kaniho said during last year’s drives, the combined credit unions raised $10,418 in monetary contributions and collected 6,437 pounds of food.
“Every day, here on Kauai, we have hungry keiki and kupuna in need of help,” said Monica Belz of the KCFCU. “By leveraging our cooperative nature as credit unions, Kauai’s Chapter of Credit Unions have united together to fight hunger on Kauai, anchored by a strong commitment to the communities we serve. Thanks to the generosity of Kauai’s people, we are able to fuel the lives of hundreds of hungry keiki and kupuna, enabling them to learn and thrive.”
Kelvin Moniz, the Kauai Independent Food Bank executive director, said funds and food collected from the credit union drive go almost directly into programs which help feed keiki, including the Keiki Cafe and Backpack programs, and the monthly kupuna shopping program where seniors come to the Nawiliwili facility to shop for items which are available.
“What better way can we, the credit unions of Kauai, demonstrate what we stand for, than by supporting the Kauai Independent Food Bank and its efforts at reaching those who are hungry,” said Lisa Murphy Allison of the Kauai Government Employees Federal Credit Union. “This is about Kauai, this is about people, and it is about helping our keiki and kupuna who do not have enough to eat. No one should ever have to go hungry. This is why the credit unions have joined forces to fight hunger because together, we really do make it happen.”
In addition to collecting from its employees, staff, and the public, the credit unions also offer periodic specials which benefit the food collection efforts.
