Community collects donations to aid Puna families
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce partnered with Pacific Media Group and HPM Building Supply to organize the “Help Us Help Puna” event on Friday, May 25.
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, volunteers from the Chamber stood at a table outside of the HPM Building Supply Kona location to collect donations for Puna families that were affected by the Kilauea volcanic eruption. By the end of the day, $7,506 was raised and over 8,500 items were donated.
KAPA FM promoted the broadcast all day on their radio station, encouraging listeners to bring items that are most needed by the families. Monetary donations were given to Hawai’i Island United Way’s Support Puna Drive. Goods collected were generously delivered by HPM Building Supply to Pu’uohonua o Puna, a community supply hub and information center for individuals and families affected by the volcanic activity.
“Mahalo to Pacific Media Group, HPM, Hawaii Island United Way, our volunteers and other community groups for the collaboration and partnership in this relief effort,” said Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Wendy Laros. “We were inspired by the generosity of our community as the donations poured in throughout the day by people who really care and want to help. We know that many on island are doing the same and we hope these contributions will aid the effort and provide some comfort to those who have lost so much.”
For more info, contact the Chamber at 329-1758 or email info@kona-kohala.com.