NAWILIWILI — The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, including its staff and board members, celebrated in the Thanks of Giving on Wednesday.
Representatives of Kaua‘i’s credit unions, including Gather Federal Credit Union, Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union, Kaua‘i Teachers Federal Credit Union, Garden Island Federal Credit Union, and McBryde Federal Credit Union, turned over $11,037 that represented the credit unions’ 11th Annual Thanks of Giving food drive.
“The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank has been building trust and nurturing Kaua‘i for 30 years,” said Chantal Zarbaugh of the Kaua‘i FCU, and a KIFB board member. “Mahalo to our credit union members and staff who gave so generously this year. We raised $11,037 and more than 100 pounds of nonperishable items that were donated to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank. We couldn’t do what we do without each one of you.”
Additionally, Kelvin Moniz, the executive director for KIFB, said the food bank received an estimated 3,000 pounds of food from the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas in a separate presentation.
“These types of donations help us with the KIFB mission of keeping people fed, especially the keiki and kupuna,” said Moniz. “The need for food is real, evidenced by the number of people coming to our emergency food distributions that takes place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10 a.m.”
He said community members can donate to the KIFB Holiday Food and Fund Drive to help keep people from going hungry. The drive continues through the end of December.
“I’m grateful to all who shared their blessings this year to help the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank,” Moniz said. “Your Kaua‘i’s credit unions are committed in giving back to our community, and we are thankful for your continued support for the past 11 years. You helped us bring joy and food to Kaua‘i families this holiday season.”
Information: Kawai Gampon at 808-278-6118, or www.kauaifoodbank.org.
