Bank of Hawaii and the Institute for Human Services are teaming up to host a one-day donation drive at four of the bank’s Oahu locations Wednesday morning to help unsheltered families and individuals during the pandemic.

The public is encouraged to drop off “wish list” items including office and kitchen garbage bags, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, paper towels, bottles of water or pre-packaged snacks during the one-day goods drive, called “Bags of Hope Goods Drive.”

The participating bank locations are in Kaneohe, Kunia, Kahala and Ward and exact location details can be found here. The donation drive will last from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Institute of Human Services IHS bunk beds homeless Christine Claussen bed.
Institute of Human Services reaches more than 6,000 people yearly with shelter, food and support services. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

“Our purpose has always been to get people off the streets and expedited to housing. Yet in this crisis, we know that there will be many who remain unsheltered,” IHS’ executive director Connie Mitchell said in a statement.

The homeless is one of the most vulnerable populations during the coronavirus crisis, due to cramped encampments, poor hygiene conditions and medical needs, according to the Institute for Human Services, which reaches more than 6,000 people yearly with outreach, food, housing and other support services.

Bank of Hawaii Foundation is also donating $20,000 toward IHS efforts during the COVID-19 crisis, a press release says.

“We hope this focused effort will help IHS secure needed supplies, and that everyone encamped can stay safely in place,” Momi Akimseu, BOH Foundation’s president, said in a statement.

Help Power Local, Nonprofit News.

Across the nation and in Hawaii, news organizations are downsizing and closing their doors due to the ever-rising costs of keeping local journalism alive and well.

While Civil Beat has grown year over year, still only 1% of our readers are donors, and we need your help now more than ever.

Make a gift today of any amount, and your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,500, thanks to a generous group of Civil Beat donors.

About the Author