West Maui Rotary Clubs immediately sprang into action in order to provide food and support to families and local businesses affected by the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Here, Dr. Rebecca Winkie (right), Princess Nahienaena Elementary School principal, and Erica Gale, Youth Service chair for the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, display some of the 120 gift certificates that will be given to families in need at the school.

WEST MAUI – The three West Maui Rotary Clubs immediately sprang into action in order to provide food and support to families and local businesses affected by the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Boards of directors of the three clubs met virtually to hammer out programs to help our local community members and their families.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina, in cooperation with Sysco, is donating $4,000 in wholesale fresh produce (4,400 pounds), refrigerated and frozen items to be donated to needy families via the Maui Food Bank.

Since the Maui Food Bank does not have storage for perishable items, Sysco is working with the club to keep these items in storage in their facilities until time of distribution.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise is making a $1,000 donation to the Maui Food Bank. Additionally, this club is purchasing 80 $25 gift cards from locally owned Island Grocery Depot to be distributed to West Mauians who have lost work due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Additionally, several members have personally contributed extra cards, beyond the 80. These will be distributed (mailed to recipients) over the next four weeks. If the situation continues beyond that time, the club will continue the program.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset is working with Dr. Rebecca Winkie, principal at Princess Nahienaena Elementary School, to help students and families in need who attend her school.

This club has purchased 40 $25 gift certificates at two locally owned food establishments that are remaining open for takeout orders.

Moku Roots, located in the Lahaina Gateway Center, and CJ’s Deli, located in the Fairway Shops, each received $1,000 to provide the gift certificates. Another $1,000 in $25 gift cards were also purchased by the club at Foodland.

These 120 gift cards and certificates were presented to Dr. Winkie on Thursday, March 26, for distribution.

Additionally, Marilyn Jorgensen, co-owner of CJs Deli, in collaboration with Dr.Winkie, invited families to her place of business to pick up surplus milk, eggs and other produce that was donated by Sysco.

Dr. Winkie said, “To witness the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset’s compassionate support for our community is both humbling and heartwarming. Their beyond-generous donation of meals by way of gift cards is truly a blessing during these trying economic times, and I applaud their efforts to assist the students, families and local businesses of Lahaina.”

This club also made financial contributions to the following agencies to support local needs during these times of the COVID-19 pandemic: Maui Food Bank, $1,000; Salvation Army, $500; and Maui Rescue Mission, $200.

All three of the West Maui Rotary Clubs will continue efforts to raise funds to support future projects to assist families in need due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Two of the clubs hold 501(c)(3) status, and all contributions for future support programs are tax-deductible.

To make a donation to a local Rotary Foundation, contact the following leaders via e-mail: Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset Foundation, Mariko Higashi, marikoinmaui@gmail.com; Rotary Club of Lahaina Foundation, Rick Nava, rick@msimaui.com.