HILO — Community members have wrapped the Boys and Girls Club of Hilo in a giant hug of reassurance after the club’s dishwasher heater was stolen.
“We have gotten so many calls from community members and organizations and businesses who offered to help us,” said Development Director Jasmine Branco.
The club had experienced vandalism to its water heater previously and installed a gate around the device. But someone ripped the gate away early Tuesday and, this time, took the machine. The Tribune-Herald and West Hawaii Today published a story about the theft in their Wednesday editions.
Club leaders say they have received offers of help from Advantage Chemical LLC, Akaka Falls Lions Club, Altres Staffing, Big Island Table Tennis Association, Delima’s Plumbing, Fukunaga Electric, Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill, Lanky’s Bakery, Lincoln Wreckers, Shigehara Plumbing and many community individuals from Hilo and the mainland.
“All have a unique connection, many as past youth program participants, all have a heart for the organization and its youth-focused mission,” a statement from the club says.
The water heater is important for cleaning dishes to feed about 100 children daily during the club’s summer program. That’s the primary source of nutrition for some of those kids.
Cost for a replacement, installation and security upgrades to prevent a recurrence is estimated at between $3,500 and $4,000.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill served lunch on Thursday for about 60 Boys and Girls Club kids during a special luncheon buffet at the downtown Hilo restaurant. The offering was a stand-in for the meal the kids would otherwise get at the club.
“Food is my friend. It’s like a party in my belly,” said Kaia Stimson, 8, of Keaau.
Her seat-mates raved about the chicken. And watermelon. And cookies.
“I love it all,” said Lahela Ravey of Hilo, who loved the cookie.
Kaia, along with Zeza Schweitzer of Hilo, both said the chicken was their favorite.
“This is something special for the kids, for sure,” said Boys and Girls Club CEO Chad Cabral. “For some of them, I would think this would be a rarity for them to come to a restaurant.”
Jackie Rey’s General Manager Mari Derla said the restaurant wanted to feed the the children — and offered to donate a water heater.
The restaurant’s maintenance worker has offered to install it.
“He’s going to bolt it down for them, so that way it’ll be more secure,” Derla said.
Boys and Girls Club leaders are working with donors to make it possible to install security lighting and video surveillance to make the grounds and building more protected from theft and vandalism.
Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
