HONOLULU (KHON2) — The holiday season is often a time of celebration; but for some, it’s also a time of need. Volunteering at a food bank offers a powerful way to give back to the community and help those facing difficult times.
Brandi Saragosa, the operations director for the Maui Food Bank, shared with KHON2.com how volunteering can not only help others but also enrich your own life.
“I’ve had a long history of volunteering through my church, so when the opportunity came to work for the food bank, I wanted to try it out,” Saragosa explained. “It was a nonprofit, and they did good for others. I signed up to be a driver, and from there, I learned more about food banking and fell in love.”
Over time, Saragosa’s volunteer experience turned into a career; and now, six years later, she oversees operations at Maui Food Bank.
“Volunteering helps you find your niche,” she said. “Then you can go with it.” She emphasized that many people are able to find careers they’re passionate about through volunteer work, something she’s experienced firsthand.
Hawaiʻi, Saragosa pointed out, has a unique way of connecting people through volunteering.
“There’s something special here in Hawaii when you volunteer. You invest in the community, and things come—connections, people, even a vision for your own future.”
This sense of belonging and fulfillment is what keeps people coming back to help.
While the holidays often see an uptick in volunteerism, Saragosa urged people to keep volunteering year-round.
“We have over 1,500 volunteers countywide who put in about 7,000 hours every month,” she said. “But we’re here year-round. We need help throughout the year, not just at Christmas time.”
The Hawaiʻi’s foodbanks serve as a vital hub for people in need.
“At [Maui’s] food bank, we are the central point where other agencies come to grab food,” Saragosa explained. “Volunteers help us box the items, restock shelves, and make sure that donated food is safe and consumable.”
Some volunteers even help create special protein bags because the food bank doesn’t receive many protein donations. Saragosa stressed that volunteers play a crucial role in Hawaiʻi’s food bank operations.
“They’re a big reason why we can do what we do,” she says. “Some volunteers have been with us for years, and they’re like staff members at this point. They give over 7,000 hours every month.”
At Hawaiʻi’s foodbanks, there are plenty of ways for people to get involved. Whether it’s sorting food, boxing it or helping with special programs, volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks.
“We have group opportunities too,” Saragosa added. “We’ve had credit unions, retail stores, and even high school groups come together to pack food.”
One such opportunity is offered through The Pantry by Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, a program built through the hard work of volunteers and community support.
“It’s a program that brings the community together to help people in need,” Saragosa said. “We have a small but dedicated team that works hard every day to make it a reality.”
The Pantry encourages people to sign up for volunteer shifts, with group sizes limited to six people. “It’s all about coming together as a community to help each other,” she said.
When people volunteer, they often expect to serve meals or hand out food, but the work involved is much more than that.
Saragosa explained, “It’s not just about serving food; it’s about the details. Volunteers help with sorting, organizing, and making sure the food is ready for people in need. They help ensure that food reaches the families that depend on it.”
But volunteering isn’t just about helping others. It also has a deep, personal impact on those who volunteer. Saragosa believes that the fulfillment from volunteering is a two-way street.
“When you help someone else, you help yourself too,” she said. “It fills you up in a way that nothing else can. Volunteering is a way to connect with others and grow as a person.”
For those interested in giving back, Saragosa encouraged them to visit the Hawaiʻi’s foodbanks’ websites to sign up for volunteer shifts.
She reminded us that even small contributions, whether it’s a couple of hours or a group of volunteers, make a big difference.
“It’s about making a lasting impact, even if it’s just for a few hours a week,” she advised.
Whether you’re volunteering at Maui Food Bank or another local organization, Saragosa believes that the holiday season is the perfect time to start.
“The holidays are a time of giving,” she says. “Why not share that spirit throughout the year? Volunteering is a great way to do that.”
So, this holiday season, consider giving your time to help those in need.
You can click here to learn more about the Maui Food Bank, including Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi.
You can click here to learn more about the Oʻahu Food Bank.
You can click here to learn more about the Kauaʻi Food Bank.
You can click here to learn more about the Hawaiʻi Island Food Bank.
Whether you’re packing food, sorting donations, or simply lending a helping hand, your efforts will make a lasting difference in your community.