Volunteering with Lanakila Pacific Meals on Wheels has become a family tradition for Kelly and her daughter Kaulana. Kelly said her own father taught her the importance of giving back—and now, the two Kailua realtors have spent the past five years delivering meals together.
“We’ve been blessed to be given and create so many opportunities ourselves that it was an easy thought to say, let’s go help these people that need a little bit of extra aloha,” Kelly shared.
Over the years, Kelly and Kaulana have gotten to know the people along their weekly route, including some familiar faces. One Meals on Wheels recipient, Mihana, is a longtime family friend whose family lived on the same street as theirs. When Mihana became part of their route, Kelly and Kaulana were excited to reconnect and spend time talking story during their visits.
Those visits are an important part of Meals on Wheels. Lanakila Pacific needs at least 200 regular volunteer drivers to serve nearly 900 seniors island-wide. With more volunteers sharing the workload, each person can spend more time checking on recipients’ well-being and offering a friendly visit.
The need is especially important during the holidays. On Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings, volunteers bring special holiday meals to Meals on Wheels recipients, providing personal connection on days when many people gather with family and friends.
Just two hours of volunteering can help bring a warm meal and friendly visit to kupuna and homebound neighbors across Oahu. For Kelly and Kaulana, giving their time has been rewarding, too.
“It was never a chore,” Kelly shared. “It’s always been fun.”