Kokua Puna volunteers collect donations for Big Island residents Saturday morning at the Kahului Shopping Center parking lot.

SECOND PHOTO: Co-organizer Mahina Martin said people were lined up when she arrived and had been stopping by all through the morning. Half of her busy volunteers were people she met for the first time Saturday after they showed up out of the blue to help. “I’m just so proud of our community,” Martin said. “I know the other islands would do the same for us.” She said a variety of items had been dropped off, including sleeping bags, flashlights, water, coolers, tents, nonperishable food, pet food, books and camping gear. The group is scheduled to continue the drive for goods and monetary donations today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos