Page 7 - MidWeek - April 12, 2023

APRIL 12, 2023 MIDWEEK 7
AHonoring Volunteers Both Near, Far
Dear Tatianna,
Ke‘elikōlani Middle School Interact Club advis- er Carrie Fizer responds, “The Interactors and I are always willing and ready to help. My role is to listen to the concerns of the students and set up service-learn- ing opportunities for them. The students of the Interact Club at Ke‘elikōlani Middle School love to help others in any way that they can. Even though the students them- selves may not have every- thing they need, they still understand there are other children who are in situa- tions worse than their own. I am humbled by their en- thusiasm for service to their school and community.”
Thank you for what you and these altruistic volun- teers are doing behind the scenes. It’s so great to see young people getting in- volved in volunteerism ear- ly in their lives so they can witness the difference they make by giving back.
Is there someone you’d like to thank? Mail letters to MidWeek c/o Mahalo Nui at 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 7-500, Honolulu HI 96813, or email mahalonuiwithda- rah@gmail.com.
s we kick off Nation- al Volunteer Week, we salute these noble
people who give back to oth- ers with a serving heart. Ma- halo nui to all who are work- ing hard to make Hawai‘i a beautiful place to call home.
It’s because of you that Lanakila Meals on Wheels has touched thousands of seniors’ lives by helping them remain in the comfort of their own homes longer.
Dear Darah,
April 16-22 is Nation- al Volunteer Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the contributions and impact of volunteers who selflessly give their time and efforts to better the communities they live in. While no words can accurately convey the abun- dance of appreciation we feel, we celebrate and honor you, Lanakila Meals on Wheels volunteers, not just this week, but every day of the year. You are the heart of what we do. It’s because of you that La- nakila Meals on Wheels has touched thousands of seniors’ lives by helping them remain in the comfort of their own homes longer.
Whether it be the nutritious meals you pack and deliver or the warm friendly smiles that accompany each visit, we re- ceive countless warm notes of appreciation from our seniors and their family members ex- pressing gratitude. Together with the kūpuna we serve, we say “thank you” for all that volunteers do.
Lori Lau Director of Lanakila Meals on Wheels
As we celebrate Easter, I am reminded of how much
God sacrificed for us and the significance of showing love to others. I am thankful for all the blessings in my life, including being part of such a compassionate community. I am especially thankful for The Salvation Army Kaulu- wela Corps for their unwav- ering dedication to making a real difference in the lives of so many children and families in our community.
Dear Darah,
I want to thank everyone who makes the SAM Back- pack Program a success! A special shoutout to the volunteers from Elevate Church, Mrs. Carrie Fizer and the Impact Club from Ke‘elikōlani Middle School. May this Easter be filled with love, hope and gratitude for us all.
Every month, I have the privilege of serving alongside an amazing group of volun- teers to help pack meal bags for the Salvation Army Meals Backpack Program. This pro- gram ensures that children have access to nourishing and easy-to-prepare meals during the weekends when adults are not present. For many chil- dren, school lunches may be the last healthy meal of the day.
Alofa tele, Tatianna Mulitauaopele