The Hawaii Electric Industries Charitable Foundation (HEICF) donated a total of $125,000 to local nonprofits across the state to support families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HEICF contributed $50,000 to the Hawaii Foodbank, $50,000 to Aloha United Way, $10,000 to Hawaii United Way, $10,000 to Maui United Way and $5,000 to Kauai United Way.
Ron Mizutani, president and CEO of Hawaii Foodbank, said the organization was extremely grateful for HEI's generosity.
"We are seeing an extreme rise in demand for food and we are adjusting our food distribution efforts to meet the complex realities of social distancing," Mizutani said in a statement. "It’s times like these that our work together becomes even more visible to our community and even more important to those in need."
Norm Baker, Aloha United Way interim president and CEO, said the nonprofit is experiencing an immediate increased demand for services and support along with a record number of calls to its 211 helpline. The information and referral line provides assistance to more than 94,000 people and directs callers to resources provided by its 300-plus partner agencies.
"We expect the need to continue to soar and are counting on community support to meet the growing need," Baker said in a statement. "Together, with community partners like HEI, we will persevere and help our island ohana return to a stronger, healthy and safe place.”
HEI is the parent company of Hawaiian Electric, American Savings Bank and Pacific Current.
“Our community is experiencing tremendous and increasing hardship as social distancing has required extended closures and school breaks, reduced work hours, and even loss of jobs and benefits,” said Connie Lau, HEI president and CEO, in a statement. “That’s why we want to help the Hawaii Foodbank and United Way, organizations that provide critical services to our community during these trying times. We hope our donation will inspire others to give if they are able.”