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It’s been a week since Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano erupted, prompting mandatory evacuations amid threats of fires and high levels of dangerous sulfur dioxide gas. So far, lava has covered at least 116 acres and destroyed 36 structures—rendering parts of the picturesque island unrecognizable.
Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) personnel and volunteers from The Salvation Army continue to respond in Leilani Estates with meal service, hydration, clothing vouchers and emotional and spiritual care at the shelters and the Recovery Information Assistance Center (RIAC) in Pahoa.
The Salvation Army is providing clothing vouchers for those impacted by the ever-expanding lava flow. Vouchers are being distributed this week at the RIAC in Pahoa at Sacred Heart Church and at any future disaster RIACs established.
The Salvation Army continues to seek large volume meal donations from local restaurants and certified kitchens (due to health safety food preparation standards) for meal service at shelters.
Many corporate partners have stepped up to supercharge The Salvation Army’s relief efforts.
Central Pacific Bank announced its 35 branch locations would be accepting monetary donations to boost The Salvation Army’s EDS efforts in Hawaii, with the opportunity for customers to designate support of either Hawaii Island or Kauai relief and recovery efforts. Enterprise, Alamo & National Car Rental Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, Foodland, First Hawaiian Bank and HiLife have also pitched in.
Experts caution the ongoing surge in activity could cause a massive explosion from Kilauea’s summit in the next few weeks.
To donate to relief efforts or learn more about volunteering, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org.
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