PEORIA, Ill. – With thousands displaced and some fires still raging, the American Red Cross is sending out volunteers to Hawaii islands impacted by devastating wildfires.
Steve Hilgers of Mason City got the call Friday morning for volunteers. He leaves early Sunday.
“This is a big one, there’s no doubt,” Hilgers said. “These people have been through a lot and we want to make sure they know we’re here for them and we want to make sure we’ve given them the steps to get back in the recovery process.”
Hilgers will act as support staff for Red Cross volunteers and workers already on the ground, helping them with food, beds, and more. His assignment could change depending on what they need.
“It’s a different experience,” Hilgers continued. “I may be sleeping on a cot in a gymnasium, I may be in a hotel. You don’t know, but in the end, it’s worth it.”
He’s encouraging others to get involved in big and small ways whether that’s volunteering or making donations. Lahaina in Maui has seen a large amount of damage. Several historical landmarks are burned, as well as much of the business that brought in tourists.
As of Friday, the death toll has climbed above 60, and thousands of buildings were destroyed.
A local travel agency that was unable to go on camera Friday said they don’t have any clients on the islands right now. They are working with clients who have Maui on their itinerary to find alternative options.
It’s not clear how long recovery will take at this time as many fires are still burning. Hilgers wants to give people a sense of hope while helping however he can.
“It’s about taking care of each other, somebody’s got to,” he said. “It’s about giving back and you’ve got to take care of each other because someday somebody’s going to have to take care of you.”
HEAR MORE FROM STEVE HILGERS SUNDAY AT 7 A.M. AND 5 P.M. DURING WMBD RADIO’S “WEEK IN REVIEW” PROGRAM.
(Contributing: 25 News)
