KAILUA-KONA — Feeding the hungry is a charitable concept stretching back to biblical times, but providing for a neighbor in need is a moral endeavor that extends beyond any single ideological system.
In Hawaii, the notion of giving is one of several manifestations of the aloha culture — and it’s something every resident will have ample opportunity to participate in over the next 10 days.
Tommy Kahikina Ching and the Food Basket, a Hawaii Island food bank, are hosting the 19th annual Feed-A-Thon at KTA Super Stores locations across the island starting Wednesday.
And Ching has literally tons of aspirations.
The Food Basket provides more than 60,000 meals monthly. In the previous 18 years of Feed-A-Thon, Ching estimates the generosity of Hawaii Islanders has resulted in the distribution of more than 1.5 million pounds of food to hungry populations including the county’s youth, its elderly and its homeless.
“We provide so that other people can provide for homeless and after school programs and senior centers,” explained Ching, adding the Food Basket sells the goods it generates to soup kitchens, churches and other, similar organizations at 9 cents per pound.
Starting in Kailua-Kona this Wednesday and Thursday, the Food Basket will set up donation centers fronting KTA locations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Canned goods are welcome, but monetary gifts go even further.
“I get to buy my food wholesale from KTA instead of retail, so I’m actually guaranteed from KTA three pounds of food for every $1 I can turn into the store,” Ching explained. “So it actually works out better if (those who donate) give me money so I can buy specifically what I need. But we take anything.”
“My motto is $1 or one can at a time,” he continued. “That’s all I ask for because if you can give that, I can do the rest.”
Everything donated or bought with monetary donations will be circulated solely on Hawaii Island.
On Friday and Saturday, the Food Basket will accept donations at the Waikoloa KTA. On Sunday and Monday, they’ll be at the KTA in Waimea. On Feb. 19-20, charitable givers can find Ching and company at the KTA in Puainako. The Feed-A-Thon wraps up at the KTA in Keauhou on Feb. 21-22. Event hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all locations on all days.
Those without cause to stop at the KTA nearest them on Feed-A-Thon days can instead drop off donations at the nearest Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union at any time during regular business hours throughout the 10-day event.
HCFCU operates branches in Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Kaloko, Kohala and Honokaa. Specific addresses for each branch can be accessed at www.hicommfcu.com.
The stakes are even higher this year than they’ve been in the past. Ching said a private donor has agreed to match donations of $1,000 every day the Food Basket is able to raise that amount.
If Feed-A-Thon raises $1,000 on each of the 10 days, the donor won’t only match the $10,000 but will toss in another $10,000 for good measure.
Partnerships abound for this year’s event, as Denny’s restaurant in Kona is offering a 20 percent discount on the entire tab of anyone who makes a donation to Feed-A-Thon. The discount will be offered this Sunday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.