Fusako Kogachi, 89, is widowed and lives alone in her Honolulu apartment. At least once a week, Kogachi's life is made a little easier when generous volunteers visit her to help vacuum, clean her bathtub, wipe down her windows or just talk story.

For 10 years, Kogachi has been a client of Project Dana, an organization that provides support services for elders, caregivers and disabled people.

"It's just perfect," said Kogachi, speaking with a still-noticeable Japanese accent. "I just appreciate this Project Dana program. So good."

Project Dana is among the thousands of agencies, families and individuals that benefit from the services of Aloha United Way, which kicks off its annual campaign on Friday. The campaign will seek money that will be used islandwide to address issues such as homelessness, financial stability and independence, crime and drugs, and early childhood development.

"Agencies like AUW are very important to reach out to the communities affected by lack of funding," said Cyndi Osajima, volunteer coordinator with Project Dana.

AUW aims to motivate people to help others, increase resources for community needs and bring people together to address community problems, said AUW president and chief professional officer Susan Au Doyle.

"We all have a responsibility to our community, to help others who may not be able to help themselves," Doyle said. "When you participate in the campaign, you're one of tens of thousands whose donations, put together, really help our health and human service system."

Project Dana, which has a volunteer partnership with AUW, has 33 sites statewide, 18 of those on O'ahu.

"We've been very fortunate to have a partnership with AUW because their (goal) to promote independence and self-sufficiency is very similar to the values and services of Project Dana," said Osajima, who has been with the organization for 15 years.

Project Dana offers homebound seniors and disabled people "friendly" visits and phone calls; transportation to religious services, medical appointments and grocery stores; home safety assessments; and help with minor home repairs and light housekeeping. The organization also provides care home and nursing home visits, as well as various support services to caregivers.

"Volunteers offer what we call 'social support,' " Osajima said.

A volunteer herself, Osajima also helps out Kogachi and feels fortunate to be able to do what she does.

"It's like visiting Grandma and helping her with cleaning and grocery shopping, or just spending time with her," Osajima said.

Kogachi feels just as fortunate. "Everyone is so nice and they all hardworking," Kogachi said. "They really help me."