Since March, about 400 Hawaii residents ages 60 and older have utilized a free, statewide delivery service that pairs kupuna with a volunteer who delivers groceries, medications and other essential goods to their doorstep once a week.

The delivery service aims to reduce the need for kupuna to leave their homes in the midst of a global pandemic to which they are especially vulnerable. All told, 8 out of 10 deaths related to COVID-19 reported in the U.S. have been among adults 65 and older.

Seven months into the pandemic, the program Our Kupuna needs more Oahu volunteers to sponsor an older resident in need.

Kupuna in Honolulu, Waianae and on the North Shore still need a local sponsor. Sponsors volunteer to call their designated kupuna weekly to see if any deliveries are needed. Kupuna are responsible for reimbursing their sponsor for expenses.

Those interested in volunteering to sponsor a kupuna can visit OurKupuna.com for more information. All volunteers must pass a background check.