Leeward Community College continued its dedication to the West and Central Oʻahu communities on November 9, transforming its campus into a distribution center for essential resources in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. The mobilization successfully served 1,100 households, exceeding the initial goal of 1,000 households.
The event highlighted Leeward CC‘s role as a key regional institution, bringing together staff, students and leaders, including Hawaiʻi Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who all worked to ensure efficient distribution.
“This is our kuleana (responsibility) in action,” said Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza. “The mission of a community college is to be responsive to the immediate needs of its people. We are not just in the community; we are the community. Opening our campus as a point of distribution and seeing our staff, students and leaders like the lieutenant governor working side-by-side is the most powerful lesson we can offer. We are proud to be an anchor institution that can mobilize with incredible partners like the Hawaiʻi Foodbank to provide this critical support.”
The collaborative spirit was evident throughout the day. Will Castillo, senior coordinator for Leeward CC’s Office of Workforce Development, volunteered at the event alongside his daughter and reflected on the significance of their collective action.
Castillo said, “This is what Leeward is all about, coming together to uplift and support our community when it matters most.”
Volunteer Emma Collo, a Miss Chinatown princess, added, “Seeing the gratitude on families’ faces reminded us why this work matters, and we encourage everyone to consider volunteering. The foodbank always needs extra hands.”
