Salvation Army Feeding and Coordinating 7,200 Meals Daily at Maui Shelters After Wildfires

HONOLULU (August 12, 2023) – Based on aerial imagery, The Salvation Army’s Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division today confirmed the loss of the entire Lahaina Lighthouse Corps complex including the administrative building, church, thrift store, and residential quarters. All staff evacuated safely from the building.

“In time, we will rebuild our buildings, but right now our main focus remains serving those on Maui by not only coordinating and providing meals, but also providing emotional and spiritual care,”said Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands. “While this is a devastating time for everyone on Maui and for all who know and love the people of Maui and the island around the world, The Salvation Army is here to support response for all those in need. It is truly an inspiration to see Envoy Kevin Nagasaki, who led our Lahaina Lighthouse Corps, continuing to support those on Maui through outreach at our Kahului Corps and the shelters.”

The Salvation Army is currently feeding and coordinating 7,200 meals each day at Maui County/American Red Cross and other shelters in response to the various evacuations for wildfires. The organization 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. Please note, smaller, home-prepared foods and meals, cannot be accepted for meal service at shelters due to health safety food preparation standards. 

“During emergencies, the best way the public can help is to provide monetary donations which allows the delivery of the exact relief supplies a community needs,” said Victor Leonardi, Divisional Director of Emergency Services & Safety for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division.  Plus, The Salvation Army uses 100% of all donations designated ‘disaster relief’ in support of disaster operations.” 

The Salvation Army is part of a team of agencies providing assistance during events and is a member of the State of Hawaii Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

Donations may be made online at Hawaii.SalvationArmy.org or text HAWAIIFIRE to 51555. Listings of current volunteer opportunities also may be found at Hawaii.SalvationArmy.org.

About The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division

The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division covers the state of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands including Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands and The Federated States of Micronesia. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked #2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. The Division offers a wide variety of programs throughout the islands including: affordable senior housing; at-risk youth services and housing; camp & conference center; church/religious services and programs; emergency disaster services; family stores; food distribution and feeding programs; homeless services; The Kroc Center – Hawaii’s largest community center; preschools & day care services; older adults; social services – emergency assistance; substance abuse treatment; women’s auxiliary; and women’s ministries. For more information, call 808-988-2136, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.