Amanda Lauaki shared she created the Give & Take Facebook group during the pandemic to serve community members who cannot visit Give & Take at BYU–Hawaii due to COVID-19 restrictions. Local community members said they believe the group has positively contributed to the community and has become a needed resource.
“The purpose [of the group] is to help someone else. I think that is why it is a success now because it is helping each other even in the smallest things. We all try to help one another, especially now during the pandemic,” said Lauaki, a Laie community member.
Among those who joined and used the group is Melissa Ka’onohi-Camit, a Kahuku community member, who said the group is a great way for the community to help each other. “Rather than worrying about how to price anything, you freely give your things to someone who may need it.”
She described her experience of needing school supplies on one occasion and using the group to find some.
“I work for the DOE at Kahuku Elementary,” Ka’onohi-Camit said. “My position at the time was going to be working with Pre-K special education students. We were starting with nothing. I went to the [group] and asked for help. The outpouring of help and donations was amazing. I had people inboxing me and asking what we needed. Random community members dropped off items at my house. I was so grateful to the [group] as well as to all those that donated.”
Lauaki normally went to the Give & Take on campus but has been unable to go due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The purpose [of the group] is to help someone else. I think that is why it is a success now because it is helping each other even in the smallest things. We all try to help one another, especially now during the pandemic.
On March 11, SWATT Global at BYUH announced on social media the temporary closure of Give & Take to the community due to COVID-19, allowing only BYUH students.
She said her Relief Society president gave her the idea of creating a Facebook group. The Give & Take Facebook group has gained more than 1,700 members since it started in April.
Lauaki said she wanted to make a virtual Give & Take because of more people staying at home and the limitations at the Give & Take on campus.
The Facebook group’s about section says, “This group was created for everyone [and] is for free stuff. Here you can give anything and take something or give away whatever you don’t need, use or simply want to share with others.”
Lauaki explained there are concerns involving unfairness, scams and people taking advantage of the group, but she tries “to keep the page positive.” According to Lauaki, the group welcomes “everything from clothing, household items and more.”
She stated the group would not be successful without everyone who contributed and participated. She expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the group in any way and hopes it continues to help the Laie community.
Ka’onohi-Camit stated she uses the page to spread aloha. “I’m a director of the Lāhui Foundation, and we do food distributions at Polynesian Cultural Center. I used the Give & Take [group] as a platform to get the word out [so] those who may need food are able to know the specifics on how to get it.”
Andrea Tuthill, a Laie community member, shared the group has helped her find items she needs, and she was able to help other people through the group by giving away things to keep from being wasteful.
“I love my sweet friend I met who had fresh eggs. Another who had children’s toys I could use when my grandchildren visit. … I have had the opportunity to pick items up for people who are without a car and can’t pick up an item quickly.”
Tuthill stated the group is a blessing to the community, and she has made many friends through the group.
Ferila Soatogi, a senior from Samoa majoring in English literature, said, “The Give & Take [group] is good for the community and students, especially those with limited finances. I’m able to save a lot on books.” She stated people, especially big families, should take advantage of this opportunity to check out some of the great stuff there.