Samoa donations accepted till Jan. 26

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Relief efforts for victims of Cyclone Heta are under way in Hawai'i, and those who wish to help still have time to make donations.

Heta devastated Samoa and American Samoa on Jan. 4, with winds gusting to nearly 200 mph.

Twelve O'ahu fire stations will accept donations of nonperishable items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through the shipping date on Jan. 26.

Fire stations in Hau'ula, Hawai'i Kai, Kailua, Kalihi Kai, Kane'ohe, Kapolei, Kuakini, Mililani Mauka, Moanalua, Wai'anae, Waikiki and Waipahu are accepting donations.

Donations of money or perishable food items will not be accepted at the fire stations.

Gus Hannemann, organizer for the relief effort, said the first container is set to be shipped to Samoa on Jan. 26. Corporate and organizational donations of warehouse space and boxes, in addition to the shipping, have made the relief effort go smoothly.

"It's like that old Samoan adage," he said. "Many hands make a heavy load light."

The number of people who have contacted him wanting to make donations has been heartwarming, he said.

"I have really seen the aloha spirit," he said.

For details on how to donate or help, contact Hannemann at 375-7800.

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.