Editor’s note: Each Wednesday, West Hawaii Today is publishing a story about individuals, groups or organizations that have helped make life better for others in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island is assisting the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home by providing hot meals to health care professionals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization said it is assisting the frontline health care professionals who continue to selflessly risk their own health so that they can continue to focus on the level of care now required as the home addresses an outbreak of the novel coronavirus. As of Tuesday, 14 veterans had succumbed to the disease.
Each weekday, 40 to 50 hot meals are provided via the Boys &Girls Club of the Big Island’s Hilo kitchen facilities and transported to the veterans home by board volunteers. All meals provided are free to show support and gratitude, and to thank those who care for Hawaii Island veterans.
“Our community veterans mean a lot to us as they have served and sacrificed so much to ensure our freedoms,” the organization said. “We want to take care of our frontline health care professionals that take care of our vets!”
The club thanks frontline professionals and Yukio Okutsu for everything they are providing during these challenging times.
Anyone who wants to help the club in its meal mission can mail donations to Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, 100 Kamakahonu St., Hilo, HI 96720.
For more information, visit the club online at www.bgcbi.org.
Know a Hometown Hero that should be highlighted next Wednesday? It can be anybody, from a youngster doing good for the community, to a professional helping with the COVID-19 pandemic, or even a kupuna! Please send your nominations to cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com with the subject: Hometown Heroes Nomination. Please include the hero’s name, contact information and what makes them a hero.