Off-duty firefighters, police and volunteers on Friday afternoon took their hats off to raise money for the Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross.
The annual Hats Off event, held Friday at Walmart Kona, raises funds for the nonprofit organization. The event continues at Walmart from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Firefighters will also be stationed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at KTA Kailua-Kona and Lanihau Center off Palani Road.
In 2013, the Red Cross on the Big Island responded to 23 disasters and assisted 69 family members in getting back on their feet, according to Red Cross. During Tropical Storm Flossie, the Red Cross opened nine shelters on Hawaii Island.
The organization on Hawaii Island has also taught 163 volunteers free disaster training, reaching 1,620 community members. Red Cross also taught 3,214 individuals critical skills such as first aid and CPR.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.
Donations can also be made online at redcross.org/hawaii, by calling 739-8109 or via check to the American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 55 Ululani St., Honolulu, HI 96766.