(Press Release) — In its goals to serve the communities of the Mariana Islands the Ohala Foundation successfully launched its first Rota food distribution program on June 3. More than twenty-five dedicated volunteers from Rota and Tinian came together to sort, pack, and distribute the food to more than three hundred people at the Eskuelan San Francisco De Borja.
Ohala Foundation Chairman Phillip Mendiola-Long said, “This is our 16th food drive, and the first to be held on Rota. The distribution had a huge local impact and we’re so happy with the love and support the Island of Rota has shown us and we’re extremely grateful for the donations from the people and companies in Saipan that made it possible for us to collect over 9,000 pounds of food and clothing for our sister island. The event was a success, and we intend on raising more funds and getting back to Rota to expand our programs while eventually launching our Saipan programs later this year. It’s tough to keep the food in stock and we need to rely on the generous support of our community.”
The foundation would like to acknowledge the following individuals and companies for their time and donations: Rota Mayor’s Office, Rota Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Father Rey Rosal and the Rota Church, Captains Ivan Ilmov and Jack Barcinas for transporting the goods, Micronesian Brokers Inc., D&Q, Marpac, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Yaong Wholesale, Highway Express, Jovita Demapan, Dave Cabrera, Julie Ogo, Marco Pua and the Division of Parks and Recreation.
Interested donors can reach out to the Foundation by visiting ohalafoundation.org or by calling 433-2664.
About the Ohala Foundation
Guided by the principles that man must help his fellow man, the Ohala Foundation’s mission is to work exhaustively to raise critically needed funds; and serve as the managing body for a Mariana Islands-based community assistance organization. The cornerstone of that organization is the Ohala Food Bank, which under the Ohala Foundation’s leadership, provides free food, free meals, and free disaster food assistance to those who are the most vulnerable in our communities. The Foundation also offers career, medical and clothing services.
For more information on how to donate, volunteer or avail yourself of the foundation’s services, visit www.ohalafoundation.org or call 433-2664.
Ohala “Warriors” from Tinian and Rota worked together to distribute food on Rota.
Volunteers prepare the food for distribution.
The Ohala volunteers pose for a group photo.
Ohala Foundation Chairman Phillip Mendiola-Long takes a selfie with the volunteers.
