On September 11, 2023, Kauai Habitat for Humanity commemorated the National Day of Service with volunteer activities aimed at honoring the memory of those lost in the September 11, 2001, attacks. The initiative brought together community members on the island of Kauai to engage in meaningful service, demonstrating solidarity and support for one another.
Christina Ahia-Schimmelfennig, the director of Resource Development at Kauai Habitat for Humanity, noted, “Nicole Pacanas and I are doing additional outreach work today.” Volunteers gathered from various parts of the island to assist with a range of tasks, including organizing donations and preparing items for sale at the Kauai ReStore. This effort not only honors the lives lost on that tragic day but also fosters connections among volunteers.
The Kauai ReStore serves as more than just a thrift shop; it is a vital community resource that offers new and gently-used furniture, building materials, and home décor at affordable prices. Every purchase contributes to building safe and affordable housing on Kauai. The ReStore helps divert usable goods from landfills, supporting Kauai Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide housing solutions for families in need.
Over the years, a significant number of the 248 new homes built by Kauai Habitat for Humanity have involved family members volunteering at the ReStore as part of their “sweat equity” hours. Ahia-Schimmelfennig highlighted the presence of two Pacanas, along with Alicia Sams and her mother, representing Kauai Community College’s Veterans Services. Among the volunteers was Mary Kay Hertog, a retired general who actively supports the cause. “Today, she and Paula Schulze are representing the Kauai Veterans Council with a message to veterans — we’re always here for you,” she added.
While Kauai Habitat for Humanity had not organized such volunteer opportunities recently, the group received approval for a grant that will enable them to coordinate a larger National Day of Service event on September 25, 2023. This upcoming event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kukui Grove Center, in collaboration with the Kauai Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and AmeriCorps Seniors.
This National Day of Service not only honors the past but also highlights the ongoing commitment of the Kauai community to support one another through volunteerism and resource sharing. As the island continues to rebuild and grow, initiatives like these play a crucial role in fostering a spirit of unity and resilience.
