After seeing countless news reports about the global devastation of COVID-19, along with Facebook posts about kupuna and other at-risk individuals unable to retrieve necessary food, medicine and supplies, Honolulu attorney Greg Kim ’75 rose to coordinate help.
With the assistance of Jennifer Latham (wife of Punahou President Mike Latham ’86), Ahnya Chang ’97 and Rachel Lau ’81, Kim launched a nonprofit organization on March 22 called, Help Is On The Way, comprised of volunteers on O‘ahu and Maui who deliver food and goods to the elderly, healthcare workers, families, high-risk individuals, those in quarantine and any others who should remain indoors.
“We are spreading aloha with this service,” said Kim, who is married to Punahou Junior School Principal Paris Priore-Kim ’76. “We’re not just delivery drivers. We’re offering a friendly voice on the line and a wave from the driveway, along with the things our people need. We know we are representing the face of Hawai‘i.”
The service works like this – kupuna and others call the stores or restaurants (partnered food outlets are offering free food), order and pay for their items, then request delivery service and a volunteer picks up and delivers the goods while maintaining proper social distance.
“We are here to help anyone who should not venture out to stores,” Kim said. “Our volunteer drivers are screened for safety and trained to adopt safe practices in making deliveries.”
Since starting the organization earlier this week, more than 150 volunteers have come forward, and the group is now looking to expand to other Islands.
To apply for delivery service or apply to be a volunteer, please visit hihelpisontheway.org, or email us at hihelpisontheway@gmail.com.