It is hard to rate IHS. Recently, my work organization did a service project here to help with…read moresorting clothes. I write this review to spread words out there for IHS. They can always use helping hands. So if your organization such as work, church, or whatever it is, do contact IHS for good cause. I do understand that we have mixed emotion about homeless etc. but sometimes you do for people who are wanting to help who are in need. So think of it as you are helping the good people. I spent 3 hours on a Saturday and staff were so appreciative and offered us snacks and water. Oh I learned that this location is for women. IHS on Nimitz is for men. And I'm not going lie, when I got to this location to check in at the counter I didn't feel safe. But once I went inside the building and met with other volunteers I was okay.

There's many services available at IHS for those in need. My review is for the wonderful help today…read moreto unload all the bags of rice and box of canned goods from my car. Our local chapter of Blacks In Government had our annual collection of donations of rice and canned goods from our membership (and friends). Even though I came at a busy time of day, IHS had numerous volunteers to come out and help retrieve the donations. Thanks guys, BIG mahalo for helping me so quickly in the small parking lot before the rain poured down. Happy Holidays!

I love that this place exists to help those families in need. In this day and age, there should be…read moreaccess to basic food needs for everyone, and the Hawaii Foodbank provides that, as well as any organization can. Every time I've stopped by to drop off a donation of food items, the employees and volunteers have been very helpful. Parking is very limited, with all the trucks and other equipment in the lot, so it's good that someone is usually outside to help. They allow me to stop at the front, and even bring a dolly and unload the food from my car to bring it in. They will also provide a written donation receipt, upon request. With the number of families losing their homes and everything during the recent storms, it's reassuring that the Hawaii Foodbank will be there to help provide relief.

The Hawaii Foodbank and all of its staff and volunteers are amazing at helping support the…read morecommunity and families and friends. It takes a special kind of person with dedication and commitment to operate a successful program like this. Including loving, caring, understanding, compassionate and grateful. Sounds easy but I can tell you it's very hard work just as a volunteer. There's a lot of behind the scenes support from the team like truck drivers on the road all day to the warehouse crew providing logistical assistance day in and out. Administration and Management to the custodians and maintenance people keeping things clean and running. MAHALO PLENTY TO EACH AND EVERYONE. You're the BEST! Never go hungry.

My family lived here in 2014-2015 and it gave us a second chance at life. They gave us 3 beds to…read moresleep on for my parents, me and my 5 younger siblings. They fed us 3 meals a day and helped my parents find employment and budget their money. Eventually they helped us get into Weinberg village transitional homeless shelter in Waimanalo. We left Weinberg after 2 years and started renting a home in Pearl city and eventually we had our finances set well enough that in 2017 we bought our first home together. I was so ashamed to say that I lived here when I was in high school but looking back on it today as a grown man I have to say that IHS was an absolute blessing for me and my family. Thank you so much to the many kind and loving people that worked here and to everyone that sacrificed their own time and resources to make IHS what it is. -The Lopes Family

I was looking for a place where I could donate some of my belongings that could be of better use…read morethan just sitting in my closet and drawers being unused, but I wanted to make sure the donation would go directly to the people in need right here in Hawaii. And specifically, to women and children in need. Surprisingly, I couldn't find many places that fit these specifications till I came across the the Women's & Family Shelter, an emergency shelter from the Institute for Human Services (IHS). IHS is an independent, local 501c3 nonprofit organization that makes sure 100% of all donations stays in Hawaii. Drop off was really simple. The donation drop off area is open Monday thru Friday from 0800-1600. You can park your vehicle temporarily right in front of the garage while you offload your items. On their website, there are 5 different ways you can help: 1. Monetary Donation. A link is provided on the website for your convenience. This can be a one time donation or you can set up a monthly donation. 2. An In-Kind Donation. The donation center is located around the corner of IHS at the garage entrance on Kaamahu Place. On the website " Wish List" you can find a list of what type of items are in need. Items needed are gently used clothing (all types) household toiletries (even makeup), school items, food, baby related items to name a few. Basically just think of what you use and need and eat on a daily basis to give yourself an idea of what you could donate to help another person/child. 3. Planned Giving, such as bequests from an estate plan or will, real estate, personal property, etc. 4. Cooperate and foundation giving, such as scholarships, grants, direct donations, etc. 5. Volunteer. There are many different types of volunteer opportunities, such as tutoring children, kitchen help, serving meals, working at the health clinic, sorting donations, etc. There's an opportunity for everyone to give in whatever form you choose. So instead of letting your drawers, closet, garage, shoe rack, etc get cluttered with unused or unwanted items, why not give it back to the community to help another person or child out? Or if you're not ready to part with your treasures a monetary gift is always appreciated. Donating my belongings not only made my house much tidier, but I was also happy knowing my items had a 2nd life while helping to meet the needs of a person/child right here in Hawaii.

I dropped off 5 carloads of home goods, clothing, bedding, etc while downsizing my mom's condo to…read moremove her into a house with my sis and her fam. Helping Hands was so much closer to where we live compared to Salvation Army or Goodwill. I like that Helping Hands is truly a nonprofit organization because they don't sell your donated goods to the people who need them. People can come get the goods for free at helping hands. Staff were always very friendly and helpful with unloading my car. They are also very good about giving me the tax write off forms. (Salvation Army has you go to a website to get tax form and I couldn't even create an account successfully on the website. Kept getting error message.) Helping hands drop off times are Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM so the drop off window is pretty limited.

I have been working with this organization for over 20 years. They have been helping the community…read morefor the past 50 years! Amazing! I always refer my clients there to get free household goods such as bedding, pots and pans, dishes, etc. I always drop off my donations there. Every Christmas - they have Adopt A Family and I love seeing our clients get items they wouldn't be able to get for their family since it is so expensive living here in Hawaii. They also have the Ready To Learn program which gives students school supplies for the upcoming year. They have other programs so please donate any household items or give a monetary donation if you are able! Thank you Helping Hands Hawaii!

Good is outstanding. Hours are limited, closes at 12:30, but I can work around it. Everything…read morecookies r the best store bought cookies I've eaten. I bake a lot but these cookies are probably better than mine. I wish I cld walk to their shop every day and eat my lunch/breakfast there.

Taylan and his team are great! Our scrub tops came out perfect and jackets were great as well!…read morePricing was very reasonable and will definitely return to the for all our Embroidery needs!!

An amazing place…read more.. McDonald's was one of earlier jobs that I worked while I was still in school and as it was corporate back then it was tough though always a great experience and as I learned about some of the things they do for the Ronald Mcdonald House I was much younger back then had no idea what it does for the community. Fast forward to the 2025 and hearing that they had a 5K charity of a day that I'm usually off I was so excited to register and participate in this even only to fully miss out on it unfortunately and was off island shortly after than and received an email of my tote that was unclaimed and asked if I was still interested in it which of course I was and was delighted to have a chance to claim it and pick it up right here on Judd Hillside Rd and since I was there I just had to pick up a few items to donate along with a bunch of brand new plushies that I loved but knew that it had more love to share as well. Nothing brings me greater joy than to share and give joy to others and though it was a small gesture it really made me feel happy and hopes that all the items will give comfort and love at their time of need. Thank you!

Give back to your local community partners!…read more This is a great nonprofit to participate and support as they are easy to contact and schedule time with a team and come by to help or donate. They are always posting material items on Instagram or social media showcasing what they are needing. Upon arrival, they let you know what you may need to do to help out. They offer convenient times around busy work schedules, which is great. You may paint, assemble bags, prepare something in the kitchen, whatever fairly simple projects are needed for the home... Knowing you are able to put a smile on the face of a child is amazing. What these kids and families go through, most may never have to and the majority are unable to imagine. Taking a moment to give time to help as a volunteer goes a long way! This location does not have parking but please do not let that deter you from helping as they do provide a shuttle to and from the facility.

My volunteering experience at the River of Life was truly remarkable. Registering for volunteering…read morewas very quick and easy. We went to the River of Life for a group project, I am in 7th grade and came with my dad not knowing what would happen. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and appreciated. The kitchen had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the staff was knowledgeable and were the sweetest people you've ever met. They are so close to God and make sure that everyone who eats their food has a great time. Seeing my group members so engaged and having a great time was fantastic. After two hours of volunteering, we were finally able to taste the food we helped prepare. It was so good and I highly recommend volunteering at this center and can't wait to return!

A generous, selfless, non profit organisation; always looking for ways to serve the community;…read moreespecially the many homeless in the island. Your generous giving of donations in any amount; even if it means giving up a lunch once a week to support those in need is greatly appreciated and goes a long way. It's a truism, what goes out comes back around. The way things are right now; whose to say, you and I might need their generous service one day?

I volunteer at the pantry once a week on distribution days. The staff are incredibly helpful,…read morecommunicative and supportive to volunteers and to the community they serve. It is amazing how smoothly their operations for a non-profit. When you show up there is a volunteer orientation and well-thought out instruction for how to do your job. You are given additional ppe (hi-vis vest, work gloves, and/or latex free gloves) if your job needs it. Afterward you are assigned to a role where you'll work for the majority if not all of your shift. The staff have done an amazing job of cultivating a culture of teamwork and positivity, if you have a question about your job other volunteers are incredibly kind and helpful in giving you an answer. There are am and pm shifts to accommodate volunteer schedules. Volunteering at the pantry is always an incredibly rewarding experience. I remember at a distribution day two weeks ago a family of 4 with one 6 year old pulled in. The 6 year-old exclaimed "wow thats a lot of eggs!" And "noodles!! i haven't had noodles in so long!" To hear a 6 year old describe his excitement at staple foods as you work as a part of a larger mission to fight food insecurity is the most direct impact I have felt in my local community. I am excited to continue volunteering there and hope to see you there too. Also if you're mil they write very prompt and nice LOAs.

Incredibly organized and efficient. Online preordering is simple and pickup drive through is fast…read more Thank you to everyone who volunteers here!