Re Re: Picture Taking at the Giving Tree

SEEMS NOBODY WANTS TO ANSWER MY QUESTION ABOUT "PURCHASING" FOOD.
THAT MIGHT EXPLAIN HOW THERE CAN BE THE SAME CANNED GOODS FOR SUCH LONG PERIODS.

CORRECTED FOR THE MASSES
------------Forwarded message------------
From: f----s@lycos.com
Date: Apr 30, 2011 09:48:32 AM
Subject: Re: Picture Taking at the Giving Tree
To: dmakalena@givingtreehawaii.com, fnirtty.@blogger.com

Thanks for finally responding. I was not informed about the requirement until this past Tuesday, which is strange because I shopped there the previous week and the previous month.

Why it took so long for the volunteer to ask for my picture, you will know better than I. But on this day, the 26th, the first time I was asked to comply, I did refuse.

So I won't be shopping at The Giving Tree anymore, or any other pantry that requires this. If any volunteer told you that I refused  previous to being made aware of this new procedure on Tuesday, the 26th, they are either badly confused, or a liar.

But, I am not surprised that what should have been a simple procedure would be confused and only around one person, here in Hawaii.

Thank you for responding.

P.S. That's a lot of pictures to take. It's a wonder things went so smoothly, and surprising they don't go any faster. Especially, as it appears, there are less people being served.

"The Giving Tree nourishes more than 25,000 people per year, including Hawaii's senior citizens, physically challenged, single parents, children, and large families struggling to make ends."

The Giving Tree Food Pantry's activity for 2009 consisted primarily of the distribution of perishable and non-perishable food for individuals and families in, but not limited to, downtown Honolulu.  As Hawaii's largest food pantry, the Giving Tree Food Pantry provided 1,069,952 pounds of food for 24,369 households representing 40,456 adults and 16,342 children.  The Giving Tree Food Pantry also provided at no cost to those in need, clothing, furniture, housewares and necessities of living.

Apr 28, 2011 05:24:24 PM, dmakalena@givingtreehawaii.com wrote:

Hi Vernon,

 The The Giving Tree database has been a great tool in improving the capability and efficiency in the way TGT operates. It has eliminated missing and/ or misfiled cards, need for applications to fill out, speeds up the shopping process, cuts down the waiting period for shopperrs. The data we collect has been a vital tool in supplying TGT and HFB with neccessary information regarding those we help, how and where we can improve our services. A picture is  part of this process and is another procedure to obtain positive identification for each shopper at the Giving Tree. Since we've implemented the picture taking about 1 month ago, you are the ONLY shopper that has refused to the picture taking process. Please keep in mind, that in the near future, it may be the standard procedure for food pantries and food distributions on the island of Oahu. So, until you agree to the picture taking process, you will might find it difficult to shop at the Giving Tree

Making a difference in the lives of Hawaii's people.

Duane K. Makalena

Re: Re: Food Availability

Corrected for the masses

From: Vernon Balmer Jr <f----s@lycos.com>   

Sent: Apr 26, 2011 04:29:21 PM 

To: <LCUh@woLhawaii.Com>, <dlorenz@wolhawaii.com>, <wolcc@wolhawii.com>, <thepantry@givingtreehawaii.com> 

Apr 26, 2011 04:29:21 PM, f----s@lycos.com wrote:

I have not gotten a response to the email below, so I am trying these other addresses. I also have another question.

Today when attempting to use the pantry, I was told I had to have my picture taken. When I asked the lady when this procedure was enacted I was told last month, then she corrected it to last week.

I was not asked to have a photo taken last week, when I was there and allowed to use the pantry, nor was it required the previous month.

When did this new requirement begin, and does it apply to everyone?


------------Forwarded message------------
From:
Date: Apr 15, 2011 12:36:46 PM
Subject: Re: Food Availability
To: dlorenz@wolhawaii.comfnitts@lycos.com

Hello Ms. Lorenz,

It's been some time since you were nice enough to respond. I was going over some emails and read this one again.

The highlighted section is a little confusing. Can you explain, does WOL purchase the items that are available at the pantry, are they donated, or both? 

Sep 8, 2010 05:31:35 PM, wrote:dlorenz@wolhawaii.com

Hello; I do apologize for the confusion.  Here is a bit of history.  The Giving Tree Food Pantry is birthed out of Word of Life Christian Center.  The Giving Tree Food Pantry is its own 501c(3) organization though. We have our own Board of Directors and one staff person, Duane Makalena, whom is the pantry manager.

We are a Christian organization but definitely a person does not need to be a Christian to shop at the pantry or serve at the pantry.

Galatians 6:10 - "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith".

With these instructions from our Lord, our Sunday operational hours is for those attending any of our morning services in Honolulu, Kaneohe and Kapolei.  We have a total of 1,000 volunteers plus our Bus Ministry invites those living in Mayor Wrights, KPT and Kam 4 housing to attend the Honolulu morning services. They visit the pantry since they have attended one of the morning services.  So there is a large number of those we have on Sunday, shopping. 

We do not have different items on Sundays, the items are the same.  Our food is what is donated to the Hawaii Foodbank which we purchase;   what we have on the shelves for anyone to receive, weekly, free.  The produce we have to give is donated to us from Hawaii Foodbank because of our refrigeration; ability to store and have for all shopping days when we have produce.

The hours are below with our instructions plus this same information is an attachment on this email as well.

Also attached is a piece that informs any that do not attend our morning services, what pantries or meals are available on Sundays

Plus attached is a list of pantries that may serve you as well; there is 62 pantries on this island but most do have their specific instructions.   The Aloha United Way 211 database that you can read online gives you all of these plus their instructions.

The first paragraph that you have highlighted is correct except for the phone number and the communiyt hours.  This is from an older piece.  I have tried my best to inform all those that have our information the updated phone numbers and such and I must of missed that piece.  We needed to close for about 4 months at the end of last year and the beginning of this year because our building's roof was leaking immensely and the need to repair other items for the pantry to be fully functional.  We were blessed to have the owner of this building do these repairs.  We reopened in February.

There are many other resources to help you; some are:

Help for the Hawaii Homeless   271-8054

Kalihi-Palama Center   848-1438

Waikiki Health Center  922-4787

The Giving Tree Food Pantry

WHAT:       our pantry is very unique because of it being a walk thru grocery style pantry; you are able to shop for what you need at no cost to you.  The pantry was developed so that any one can shop there before going to our regular grocery stores.  You also are able to shop once a week.

                  

                  It is recommended bringing your own bags or boxes.

                        First time visitors will need to fill out a start up form and those with housing will be asked for their rental agreement to observe only– DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A RENTAL AGREEMENT TO SHOP.

                   ID is not required but will be asked for.

Once a year we ask to update your start-up form

WHEN:       Tuesdays   10 to 11:30 = for the 62 yrs of age & physically challenged

                                      11:30 to 1:45 = for anyone

Wednesdays  9 to 10:00 = 62 yrs of age and physically challenged

                   10 to 11:45 = for anyone

Thursdays  10 to 11:30 = for the 62 yrs of age & physically challenged

                                      11:30 to 1:45 = for anyone

You must receive a ticket to shop. 

Shoppers arriving at least ½ hour prior to opening hours will need to wait at Mother Waldron's Park, located on the corner of Halekauwila and Cooke Street, for a ticket. 

Tickets will be distributed 15-30 minutes before opening hours to those at Waldron Park. 

For those shoppers that arrive after opening hour, tickets will be distributed at the mauka (mountain) side of our loading docks.

No tickets will be passed out 15 minutes before closing, which is:

 1:30 on Tuesdays & Thursdays

11:30 on Wednesdays.

Those with a physical challenge will be asked to bring in:  an updated ID or letter of disability status.

                                   

PARKING: there is only parking on surrounding streets such as Halekauwila

                        Street which have parking meters

Diana Lorenz

Assistant Pastor

Word of Life Christian Center

550 Queen Street

Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

808-447-5361

dlorenz@wolhawaii.com

Assistant Director

Community Life Resource Center

The Giving Tree

615 Keawe Street

Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

808-524-9397

givingtree@clearwire.net

 

Re: Food Availability

------------Forwarded message------------
From: f----s@lycos.com
Date: Apr 15, 2011 12:36:46 PM
Subject: Re: Food Availability
To: dlorenz@wolhawaii.com

Hello Ms. Lorenz,

It's been some time since you were nice enough to respond. I was going over some emails and read this one again.

The highlighted section is a little confusing. Can you explain, does WOL purchase the items that are available at the pantry, are they donated or both? 

Sep 8, 2010 05:31:35 PM, dlorenz@wolhawaii.com wrote:

Hello; I do apologize for the confusion.  Here is a bit of history.  The Giving Tree Food Pantry is birthed out of Word of Life Christian Center.  The Giving Tree Food Pantry is its own 501c(3) organization though. We have our own Board of Directors and one staff person, Duane Makalena, whom is the pantry manager.

We are a Christian organization but definitely a person does not need to be a Christian to shop at the pantry or serve at the pantry.

Galatians 6:10 - "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith".

With these instructions from our Lord, our Sunday operational hours is for those attending any of our morning services in Honolulu, Kaneohe and Kapolei.  We have a total of 1,000 volunteers plus our Bus Ministry invites those living in Mayor Wrights, KPT and Kam 4 housing to attend the Honolulu morning services. They visit the pantry since they have attended one of the morning services.  So there is a large number of those we have on Sunday, shopping. 

We do not have different items on Sundays, the items are the same.  Our food is what is donated to the Hawaii Foodbank which we purchase;   what we have on the shelves for anyone to receive, weekly, free.  The produce we have to give is donated to us from Hawaii Foodbank because of our refrigeration; ability to store and have for all shopping days when we have produce.

The hours are below with our instructions plus this same information is an attachment on this email as well.

Also attached is a piece that informs any that do not attend our morning services, what pantries or meals are available on Sundays

Plus attached is a list of pantries that may serve you as well; there is 62 pantries on this island but most do have their specific instructions.   The Aloha United Way 211 database that you can read online gives you all of these plus their instructions.

The first paragraph that you have highlighted is correct except for the phone number and the communiyt hours.  This is from an older piece.  I have tried my best to inform all those that have our information the updated phone numbers and such and I must of missed that piece.  We needed to close for about 4 months at the end of last year and the beginning of this year because our building's roof was leaking immensely and the need to repair other items for the pantry to be fully functional.  We were blessed to have the owner of this building do these repairs.  We reopened in February.

There are many other resources to help you; some are:

Help for the Hawaii Homeless   271-8054

Kalihi-Palama Center   848-1438

Waikiki Health Center  922-4787

The Giving Tree Food Pantry

WHAT:       our pantry is very unique because of it being a walk thru grocery style pantry; you are able to shop for what you need at no cost to you.  The pantry was developed so that any one can shop there before going to our regular grocery stores.  You also are able to shop once a week.

                  

                  It is recommended bringing your own bags or boxes.

                        First time visitors will need to fill out a start up form and those with housing will be asked for their rental agreement to observe only– DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A RENTAL AGREEMENT TO SHOP.

                   ID is not required but will be asked for.

Once a year we ask to update your start-up form

WHEN:       Tuesdays   10 to 11:30 = for the 62 yrs of age & physically challenged

                                      11:30 to 1:45 = for anyone

Wednesdays  9 to 10:00 = 62 yrs of age and physically challenged

                   10 to 11:45 = for anyone

Thursdays  10 to 11:30 = for the 62 yrs of age & physically challenged

                                      11:30 to 1:45 = for anyone

You must receive a ticket to shop. 

Shoppers arriving at least ½ hour prior to opening hours will need to wait at Mother Waldron's Park, located on the corner of Halekauwila and Cooke Street, for a ticket. 

Tickets will be distributed 15-30 minutes before opening hours to those at Waldron Park. 

For those shoppers that arrive after opening hour, tickets will be distributed at the mauka (mountain) side of our loading docks.

No tickets will be passed out 15 minutes before closing, which is:

 1:30 on Tuesdays & Thursdays

11:30 on Wednesdays.

Those with a physical challenge will be asked to bring in:  an updated ID or letter of disability status.

                                   

PARKING: there is only parking on surrounding streets such as Halekauwila

                        Street which have parking meters

Diana Lorenz

Community Life Resource Center

The Giving Tree

615 Keawe Street

Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

808-524-9397

givingtree@clearwire.net

Food Availability

Corrected for the masses

------------Forwarded message------------
From: f----s@lycos.com
Date: Sep 2, 2010 06:27:13 PM
Subject: Food Availability
To: wolcc@wolhawaii.com


I would first like someone to clarify if there is one or two pantries. This
is what I found online:

Word of Life

Food Pantry / Needs

Duane Makalena, 528.4044, press #, then 4005

Open to congregation on Sundays 11am to 2pm

Open to community on Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 11 am to 2pm

THE GIVING TREE FOOD PANTRY

HOURS:

Tues and Thurs -the operational hours are 10 to 11:30 for 62 years of age and the handicappable 11:30 to 1:45 = for anyone On Wednesdays = the operational hours are 9 to 10 for 62 years of age and handicappable 10 to 11:45 for anyone

Secondly, I am homeless and thankful that there are pantries that can help
with food. Not wanting to rely on word of mouth for schedules and such,
I went online to find the truth.

I was told that "The Giving Tree" is administered by Word Of Life and
another community organization. Something struck me as peculiar though.
I heard from someone that church members are allowed to shop on Sunday,
in addition to regular days.

This seemed to be unfair, in that, during the week there seems to be less
healthful foods to choose from, being mostly carbohydrates, and those
containing a lot of sugar. I think a church should be allowed to provide for
their parishioners as they see fit, and if they are charitable enough to share
with everyone else thereafter, wonderful. It's just that, if the pantry is for the
needy, regardless of whether they attend church, or what church, I think it unfair
to allow some to have the advantage of  selection on a day that others do not.

[Incident: 041025-000003]

-----Original Message-----
From: Support@USPS <usps@mail.esecurecare.com>
To: y----y@aol.com
Sent: Sun, Oct 24, 2004 8:12 pm
Subject: I am told that if there is a specific room number on a peice of mail, only so... [Incident: 041025-000003]

Thank you for contacting the United States Postal Service.  We have 
received your inquiry and will be sending a detailed response to you 
within 1-2 business days. 


Question Reference #041025-000003 
--------------------------------------------------------------- 
Summary: I am told that if there is a specific room number 
on a peice of mail, only so... 
Topic: Postal Policies and Procedures 
Sub-Topic: Procedures 
Contact Information:  
Date Created: 10/25/2004 12:12 AM 
Last Updated: 10/25/2004 12:12 AM 
ZIP Code: 96814 
Tracking Number:  
USPS.com Username:  
Order Ref Number:  
Order Date:  
Order Amount:  
Comment Type: General Inquiry 


Discussion Thread 
--------------------------------------------------------------- 
Customer (Vernon Balmer) - 10/25/2004 12:12 AM 
I am told that if there is a specific room number on a peice of mail, only  
someone from that room can sign for it. I have complained about employees at the  
YMCA signing confirmations and receipts for me. I would think the postman would  
be fimiliar with these rules.