LIHU‘E — “You mean I don’t need to leave my car?” a Kaua‘i resident asked while making donations to The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center at the Kaua‘i Resource Center on Ahukino Road near Lihu‘e Friday.
The resident was surprised to learn that donors just need to wear face masks and maintain social distancing while contributing.
Drieson Kuhia was leading the effort of unloading, sorting and packing donated items into containers because it was his first trip to Kaua‘i for the monthly donation event.
“Yes, this is his first trip for the donations,” said David Chung, the ARC supervisor. “Drieson works in the store portion. The other guys are in the warehouse side.”
The flow of vehicles containing donated materials was slow compared to previous monthly donation events, with nearly 200 cars tallied in approximately five hours.
“Maybe it’s the heat,” Chung said, noting the ARC crew had time to relax between cars and packing containers for shipping.
“Oh yeah, I forgot. This is a long weekend, so people are busy with other things like graduations. We did have a big pickup from the Lawa‘i Beach Resort, so despite the slowdown, we still ended up with at least two shipping containers.”
Residents, businesses and organizations can bring unwanted or unneeded reuse items, including clothing, small furniture, children’s toys, books and shoes, that are shipped to O‘ahu, where The Salvation Army ARC goes through the items and gives them new life. Clothing and textiles do not need to be in good condition. Torn or stained clothing is accepted.
What is not taken is eWaste, chemicals, appliances or broken items.
Residents are strongly encouraged to check with local thrift shops to see if they want the items before bringing them to the Kaua‘i Resource Center.
While here, the ARC also offers pickup services to thrift stores and businesses that schedule this service by calling 241-4336. There is no home pickup service offered.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, businesses not on the current list will be added to the list for the following month.
The next monthly donation event will take place on Friday, July 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the KRC.
For information about general recycling or reuse, call 808-241-4841, or visit kauai.gov/recycling, or kauai.gov/reuse.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
