HONOLULU (KHON2) – The University of Hawaiʻi is stepping up to help students affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
UH Athletics held a food donation drive tonight, Nov. 9, during the Wahine volleyball and men’s basketball games at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Fans were invited to drop off non-perishable food items outside Bank of Hawaiʻi Arena at Gate A.
All donations will go to Food Vault Hawaiʻi, a program at UH Mānoa that provides free food and essentials to students who may be struggling to afford meals.
Eric Matthews, UH’s director of marketing and fan experience, said the food vault plays a crucial role on campus.
“It’s basically a food bank for students who need help,” Matthews said. “They have access to food donated from fans or supporters to make sure they’re taken care of while working and earning their education.”
Residents Lorna and Al Hu also stopped by to donate.
“We always give to the UH student collections and to the UH foundations. Especially now with the shutdown getting worse,” Lorna Hu said. “We know what it’s like to be in the government shutdown before, so it’s always nice to help out.”
UH officials say there will be more opportunities throughout the season for fans to support students in need, especially as the holiday season approaches.