KAILUA-KONA – Tommy “Kahikina” Ching figures he has logged 1,600 hours collecting food and donations for the annual Feed-a-Thon benefitting The Food Basket over the last 16 years.
“When I came back to Kona 16 years ago I wanted to find a charity I could help out,” said Ching. “I walked into the Food Bank warehouse in February and the shelves were empty.”
Donations are usually substantial during the holidays, but after the first of the year there is a critical shortage of food available for the island’s hungry. That is why Ching holds the food drive in February at KTA Super Stores islandwide.
Wednesday kicked off the 10-day collection effort at KTA Kona. Ching’s goal is to collect 50,000 pounds of food. “and it all stays right here on the Big Island,” he stressed.
The day started with a shopping spree thanks to an anonymous $10,000 donation. Ching was able to purchase 11,000 pounds of food with that donation.
It was looking like it could be the best first day ever.
“Radio stations B93/B97 and KWXX provide promo spots and call ins at no charge and that really helps too” said Ching.
Hawaii Food Basket Public Relations and Events Director Jamilia Epping said the Feed-a-Thon is one of the organization’s biggest drives of the year. She said that the number of people receiving assistance has risen from 12,000 to 13,000 in less than two years. The organization also provides food for local soup kitchens. With the need growing, more donations are necessary to serve the island.
Cash donations are used to purchase food at wholesale prices at KTA. “We need to buy items that we can break down,” Ching explained. A 100-pound bag of rice is nice, but not practical to serve individuals and families.
Why does Ching keep traveling the island collecting food?
“Why not?” he says. “It’s fun. I’m having a blast. I just keep smiling and they keep giving me food and money.”
The Feed-a-Thon continues today at the KTA Kona, Friday and Saturday Ching will be in Waikoloa, Sunday and Monday in Waimea, next Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 14-15, at Puainako and wrapping up next Thursday and Friday in Keauhou.