During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, we’re celebrating the incredible people who make Lanakila Pacific’s work possible every day. With just five Lanakila Meals on Wheels staff members, we couldn’t do what we do without the generosity and dedication of our incredible 220 core volunteers. Rain or shine, they’re ensuring that our kupuna receive nourishing meals and feel cared for and connected.
Lanakila Pacific volunteers do so much more than deliver meals. They also lead classes at our Teaching and Learning Centers and help with social interactions and programming for our participants with disabilities. Their dedication is community and compassion in action.
“Many of our volunteers have been with us for years and have formed lasting relationships with the people they serve,” says Monika Majka-Helms, Volunteer Coordinator at Lanakila Pacific. “Delivering meals is just one piece of the puzzle. At its heart, volunteering is about connecting with others, sharing stories, and brightening someone’s day with a smile. Sometimes, that brief chat with a volunteer is the only interaction a kupuna has all week. Knowing that they’re making a difference in someone’s day brings our volunteers a real sense of purpose.”
That impact is echoed by Lanakila Meals on Wheels recipients like Barbara. She says the program has changed her life: “Before Meals on Wheels, I lived on frozen sandwiches. You deliver meals that sustain me.”
Mahalo nui loa to our volunteers—you are the heartbeat of Lanakila Pacific and your kindness and commitment inspire us every day. Whether you’re packing meals, delivering with a smile, or helping out in other ways, your contributions mean the world to us and to those we serve.
While most of our volunteers currently support Lanakila Meals on Wheels, we’re working to expand our volunteer program with more opportunities across the organization to offer new ways for people to get involved. Many Oahu seniors are still facing hunger and isolation, and we’re determined to help them. Right now, we especially need more volunteers to deliver meals on Oahu’s west side.
If you’re inspired to get involved, visit www.lanakilapacific.org/getinvolved.