Free Range Free Chat

Monday…..Really? Are you sure? Well, I suppose it is, in this hemisphere anyway, and those of us here now get another Monday on the planet, despite fires, earthquakes, floods, epidemics and to do something or receive something good, peaceful, serene and honorable for self, planet or others. . . Another day, another chance. . .

Maui is not seeing a great Monday, nor are other areas of strife — here on Free Range, we have an environmental bent, and note there are some direct ways to help our Hawaii wildfire victims, today going through an overwhelming knowledge of what it takes to survive this day and prepare for the next. . . .

Oh, and shut up Marge, Charlie and Gym. . . . Or tell us what you’re doing to help ANYONE on this planet?


Per Food and Wine, options, among others, are: Maui Food Bank: The Maui Food Bank is currently providing meals to displaced Maui residents. It is collecting donations of non-perishables, food, and hygiene products as well. It also has an emergency volunteer sign-up form. You can make a monetary donation here.  Hawai’i Community Foundation: The Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund is being used to support communities affected by the wildfires. The Office of the Governor of Hawai’i recommends donations to this fund. Kawakami says, “They’re in full swing right now and readily able to funnel money onto the island.”

In addition: Maui United Way: All monetary donations via Maui United Way reach victims and relief efforts directly (there’s no processing or admin fee). The organization has provided community grants since 1945, and right now, it’s providing immediate support for local non-profits offering disaster relief (grants of up to $10,000 each). As the crisis develops, grants will be opened up to individual households affected by the wildfires. Maui Humane Society:Maui Humane Society is providing pet supplies and emergency kits to shelters. Its website lists links to forms to report both lost and found pets and a Facebook group offering mutual help. The Hawaiian Humane Society’s Facebook page is also helping with the effort to address displaced pets.

Oh, and by way of update. . . Still Standing.

Happy Monday all and this is our open forum on NV for Mondays. Are we all still standing? If so, there’s plenty to say…. What’s on your minds today? All topics fit to print and none of those that aren’t. . . .