Red Cross emergency shelter volunteers organized a small celebration for "Aunty Faye", after major flooding displaced her and her family from their home. Family members shared she had missed her 74th birthday because of the disaster, and volunteers worked together to create a meaningful moment for her and fellow residents. (Photos by Susan Eddy/American Red Cross).
Emily Hache/American Red Cross
In the wake of major flooding that forced thousands of people from their homes across Hawai’i, the American Red Cross is helping restore a sense of normalcy, one meaningful moment at a time.
Red Cross Volunteers organized a surprise party for a displaced resident known affectionately as “Aunty Faye,” whose 74th birthday was overshadowed by evacuation from her flooded home to a local shelter earlier this month. The celebration, complete with cake, ice cream and flowers, offered a moment of joy for both the guest of honor, her family and fellow shelter residents.
Mass Care Chief Yiwei Chen, a Red Cross volunteer of more than 15 years, said the idea emerged during conversations with residents at the Kāne’hoe District Park shelter. Family members shared that Aunty Faye, a hospice patient, had missed celebrating her birthday because of the disaster.
“Being together as a community is important here,” Chen said. “We want to honor what matters to them.”
Finding supplies proved challenging, with local stores sold out. Red Cross volunteers ultimately secured cakes from a military base commissary and returned with enough treats for everyone. When they arrived, the shelter residents were surprised. “They didn’t think we could pull it off,” Chen said.
As residents of all ages and shelter staff gathered around Aunty Faye to sing “Happy Birthday” and present her with flowers and a card, some wiped away tears.
“This wasn’t just about cake,” Chen said. “It was about showing we are here to listen, to care and to support everyone affected.”
More than 150 trained volunteers, nearly half from O’ahu, responded to the needs of all the affected communities. Committed to meeting people’s physical, psychological and emotional needs during times of crisis, the Red Cross sees the communities we serve.
For families facing displacement and uncertainty, a simple birthday party can have an outsized impact.
“Our goal is not just to provide shelter, but to support people in a way that feels familiar and dignified,” Chen said. “Anyone affected by this disaster is welcome here.”
Working in close partnership with local officials and community members, the Red Cross continues to provide safe shelter, food, relief supplies, financial assistance and comfort to those impacted by the flooding.
If you or someone you know was affected by disaster, contact us at 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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