Lanakila Meals on Wheels serves hundreds of island seniors - yet even more are on a waiting list for service.
Lanakila Meals on Wheels serves more than 1700 meals a day. That requires a lot of person-power.
"And right now, what we're doing is we're really calling out for volunteers, really calling out for our biggest fundraiser that's coming up and then also too, we're just wanting to get our hundred seniors off our waiting list, back onto our program," says Brandon Mitsuda, Lanakila Meals on Wheels.
There has almost always been a waiting list and as our society ages and budget constraints come, that list is likely to get longer. that's why Lanakila Meals on Wheels counts on partnerships - like the one it has with AlohaCare, a non-profit health maintenance organization.
"We have 180 employees here locally. We're very committed to the community and what we're really involved with is not only serving our members but also focusing on addressing the different health issues that are facing hawaii and especially our kupuna," says George Irion, AlohaCare.
When it comes to Meals on Wheels, AlohaCare has provided monetary donations, expert advice
and more -
"Physically help them, with things like nutrition, exercise, independent living, all the good things that Lanakila does - we support in our mission also," says Irion.
Lanakila Meals on Wheels, like many social service agencies, has gone through some tough times of late. Some funding sources have had to cut back on contributions and that's why the organization is staging a major fund-raiser on October 22nd. Restaurants from all across the island will be involved.
Seniors welcome the food provided by Meals on Wheels - and also the volunteers who bring them.
"And because of our volunteers that go ahead and visit our seniors, our seniors just love to see them. They love to talk with them, they love to engage with them and they really bring a lot of education to our seniors as well, informing them about topics such as dehydration," says Mitsuda.
For more information call #531-0555.
