You might be running out of creative things to do while quarantining for the better part of six months, but there are things you can do that will actually make a difference during this whole nightmare. Two years from now, looking back at this “lost year” of 2020, will you say that you simply made it through, or will you say that you made a difference?
Plenty of non-profit agencies could use your help beyond a cash donation. And there are things you can safely from your own home. For example, the Waikiki Community Center normally has all kinds of wonderful activity for kūpuna in Waikiki. Waikiki has more kūpuna, per capita than anywhere else in the state. Over 18% of our state population is over 65 and more seniors live beyond the age of 65 in Hawai`i than anywhere else in the country. Lucky you live Hawai`i, again… But elderly stuck in isolation can cause physical changes that increase chronic disease risk and premature death.
So back to the Waikiki Community Center. Hula, food preparation, chess, bingo, and dancing at the facility have been out of the question for five months now, and many of the Center’s regular patrons live alone, without nearby family to check on them or even call them regularly. Here’s where you come in. You (and/or the kids) can make encouraging cards for nā kūpuna, send them word games or crossword puzzles; you can even send gift cards so that an elderly reader can then buy a book online.
Simply click on www.waikikicommunitycenter.org, or mail your goodies to the Waikiki Community Center at 310 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI., 96815. The Center has created a Virtual Community Center to provide informative, educational, fun at-home activities, and virtual exercise sessions focused on cognitive and physical learning, but some kūpuna simply aren’t adept with digital tools, or don’t have them readily available.
Some of the faithful at the Waikiki Community Center can’t get out to buy food or necessary medical supplies; a few have even lost their life savings due to scams. Loneliness can lead to uncertainty, vulnerability, and false trust. And that was a reality before sleaze balls oozed out of the slime as COVID-19 took hold, causing even more consternation amid isolation, separation, and loneliness. It’s all about making a difference- even if done remotely and for someone you don’t know.
Think about it…