Life has been more challenging for most of us since COVID hit the Big Island in the Spring of 2020. While things have gotten better for some, many of our community members continue to struggle. This is the time of year when the spirit of the season often compels us to open our hearts, food pantries, closets, and wallets to help our neighbors in need. When thinking about where and how to donate- if can- keep in mind that some charities are able to do more with that same dollar than others. There are a number of independent websites on which you can check the “rating” of a charity (showing how much of that dollar goes directly to persons/animals served and how much goes to overhead and executive compensation), such as https://www.charitynavigator.org , and https://greatnonprofits.org/state/Hawaii. Some charities even publish this information on their own websites. The following is not an exhaustive list of all highly-rated local charities, and it does not include local chapters of national or international charities. This list is a sample of charities that are able to use the most of that dollar in a variety of service areas. If can, please help; if need, please ask for help. May 2022 bring us all health, happiness, and enough.
Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi (Island wide)
Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi is dedicated to improving the wellness & well-being of Hawaiʻi island so that all residents can Live Longer & Feel Better, Together. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi serves as the Native Hawaiian Health Care System for Hawaiʻi island, providing community health and education services with the sole objective of improving access to quality healthcare, education, and services for the people of Hawaiʻi County. https://hmono.org/
Hawaii Rise (Hilo)
The Hawaii Rise Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities for vulnerable, or moderate and low-income families, children and elderly by providing educational services, programs and support. https://hawaiirisefoundation.com/
Hawaii Food Basket (Island wide)
The vision of the Hawaii Food Basket is for Hawaii County to be a model for food security and sustainability through the leadership of The Food Basket, a trusted and stable agency distributing the safest and highest quality food for Hawaii County. Its Mission is to end hunger in Hawaii County. https://www.hawaiifoodbasket.org/
Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service (Kamuela)
The mission of KARES is to rescue and relocate abused, abandoned and stray domestic animals, to provide temporary housing for them through our foster care network and to facilitate adoptions into caring permanent homes. KARES focuses on community education to promote responsible pet ownership and to prevent animal cruelty. KARES raises awareness about the causes of animal overpopulation and advocates alternative humane solutions for population control including spay and neuter. https://www.kareshawaii.org/
Hope Services of Hawaii (Island wide)
The Mission of Hope Services is to make homelessness on Hawaii Island rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Hope Services of Hawaii provides assistance Island-wide in the areas of: homelessness prevention & diversion; homeless outreach programs; emergency shelter; housing; veteran’s services; and, disaster relief. https://hopeserviceshawaii.org/
Hawaii Island Humane Society (Island wide)
Hawaii Island Humane Society is a non-profit animal welfare organization that offers lifesaving programs and community outreach services. The mission of Hawaii Island Humane Society is to prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals. http://www.hihs.org/
The ARC of Hilo (Hilo)
The Mission of The ARC of Hilo is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. ARC of Hilo is the largest employer of people with disabilities in Hawaii County. https://www.hiloarc.org/
