HONOLULU, HI- July 26, 2018: It’s been 12 weeks since the eruptions started in lower Puna, and residents are still facing uncertainty as volcanic activity continues. The Hawaii Red Cross, along with Hawaii County and other community partners, remain on the ground, helping to provide shelter and comfort to those in need.
Two shelters remain open for residents evacuated from their homes due to the Kilauea lava threat in Keaau and Pahoa. Since May 3, the Red Cross, along with Hawaii County partners, have distributed thousands of blankets, sheets, pillows, futons, towels, masks, toiletry kits, and other items; as well as nearly 49,000 snacks. The Red Cross is also working with the Salvation Army to provide meals. Additionally, trained Red Cross nurses and mental health volunteers are staffing the shelters and have provided over 10,000 health and mental health services to those in need. To date, over 600 Red Cross volunteers have assisted evacuees with their immediate emergency needs.
On Thursday, July 26, the Red Cross in partnership with Kona Commons, Roberts Hawaii, and Jurassic Tours coordinated a free family excursion for Big Island lava evacuees. About 90 evacuees, including keiki, were provided with transportation from the shelters to Kona Commons for a tour of the Jurassic Tour Dinosaur Exhibit as a brief respite from the constant stress and anxiety from the ongoing volcanic activity. Lunch was provided to family’s courtesy of Kona Commons.
About the Red Cross
The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a contribution, mail your check to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816 or make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call (808) 739-8109.
