KAILUA-KONA — It’s been 25 years since the food pantry at the Painted Church in South Kona opened its doors to the needy.
Priest Ralph Christmen and Program Director Carla Freitas established the food pantry in 1991, perpetuating the tradition of giving started by Father John Velghe in 1899 when he built St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, also known as the Painted Church.
Christmen and Freitas have since passed, but the oldest food pantry on Hawaii Island continues on under the direction of 80-year-old Dorothy Kalypso, who possesses a spirit and energy that transcend age.
“We class it as one of our missions in our church,” Kalypso said. “People fill out a form, which goes to the Food Basket. We ask no questions. Whatever they put on the form is accepted, and we help them. We open our arms, and anyone can come.”
In its early years, the pantry served as many as 600 people per month. Ruth Sadumiano, who has been volunteering since the pantry began servicing the public, said as more food pantries and assistance programs have opened, the clientele has shrunk somewhat.
Kalypso estimated that as many as 300 to 400 people are now serviced monthly. But some folks still travel from as far as Ocean View to fill their cupboards, which might otherwise remain bare.
“I think it’s great, because it really helps people between the social security checks,” said Josephine Nelsen, who makes regular use of the pantry. “Sometimes by the second week, we are out already, and we are trying to scramble here and there to get something to eat. When you come, it’s a sure thing, and that’s wonderful.”
Most of those served are struggling, or occasionally struggle, to make ends meet. But Kalypso said a few homeless do stroll in from time to time. For those interested, volunteers work with HOPE Services to refer homeless there for more consistent outreach.
As far as the food pantry itself, the Painted Church does things a little differently than other, newer pantries across Hawaii Island.
“We are the only one that gives out canned goods and dry goods,” Kalypso said. “Other food pantries basically are giving meals.”
The fare offered at the pantry also includes bread, eggs, protein and fruit. Those who partake are able to choose which items they want to take home with them as to avoid any waste.
Some food is donated, while the rest is bought at Costco or the Food Basket, where it can be purchased at 18 cents per pound, by way of funds given by donors and parishioners. The budget fluctuates month to month, but Kalypso said that somehow, the shelves always manage to stay stocked.
The program is run completely by volunteers like 79-year-old Ruby Kahoonei, sister to former director Freitas.
“It has not changed too much,” said Kahoonei, adding that the faces she sees on a regular basis is really the only difference from the early ‘90s. “We (continue) to do this because we love it.”
The pantry is open on the final three Fridays of every month from 9 to 10 a.m. It also serves meals on Easter morning and Thanksgiving. Kalypso said on Christmas the pantry “goes all out,” offering a meal as well as providing a Santa and gifts for those who wish to partake.
In honor of a quarter century of service, Kalypso wrote a thank you letter to all the parishioners, donors and volunteers — past and present.
“It has been a fruitful 25 years,” she wrote. “Mahalo nui loa.”