Peace Starts With Me Alliance Community Service Project- King’s Chapel Hawai‘i Food Bank ‘Ohana Food Distribution

Written by : Donna Shaver

To begin 2026, the Hawai‘i Peace Starts With Me Alliance (PSWMA)—comprised of UPF, FFWPU, CARP, and WFWP, and led by the WFWP-Hawai‘i Chapter—partnered with King’s Chapel Hawai‘i Food Bank ‘Ohana Food Distribution Community Service Project to serve families in East O‘ahu.

This food distribution program is organized by Pastor Margaret Vesnefski, Community Outreach Director at King’s Chapel, and is held every second and fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. King’s Chapel has faithfully operated this program for 12 years, with Pastor Margaret overseeing it for the past seven years.

On January 22, 2026, eleven volunteers from the PSWMA Holy Community joined the effort to serve the East O‘ahu community by packing and loading food boxes into vehicles. Prior to volunteer arrival, the Hawai‘i Food Bank delivered pallets of fresh produce, breads, desserts, frozen meats and chicken, and dry goods. King’s Chapel also contributed additional food from its own food bank.

Volunteers sorted vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, onions, and green beans, along with fruits including oranges, apples, and pears, and dry goods such as canned foods, juices, noodles, crackers, and cookies. These items were packed into plastic bags and placed into large boxes arranged on pallets along both walls of the distribution area.

Rows of long tables formed an efficient assembly line, with volunteers on each side packing grocery boxes and moving them forward until they reached the front, where loaders placed the boxes into waiting cars. Each vehicle was checked in by a volunteer who confirmed the number of households being served and ensured the appropriate number of food boxes were distributed. A separate walk-up line was also available for individuals receiving food directly.

In total, 75 volunteers—including PSWMA members, other community groups, and individuals from diverse backgrounds—worked together to distribute food to 500 families, making a significant impact on the local community. For the PSWMA Holy Community, it was especially meaningful to see the youth work alongside the elders, strengthening unity and shared purpose through service.

Participation in this project supports our ongoing commitment to the community by building trust, creating partnerships, and forming meaningful relationships through acts of service. This experience directly reflects PSWMA’s mission:

“When service comes first, trust grows, partnership deepens, and our Peace Embassy gains credibility in the city.”

We hope this experience inspires continued involvement from our Holy Community in future King’s Chapel Hawai‘i Food Bank ‘Ohana Food Distribution projects.

Reflections and Feedback

“This event was very fulfilling. This organization already provides so much to the community—things we often say we want to do as a church community but lack the resources to accomplish. Being able to help provided so much love, and you could feel the gratitude from every volunteer and community member. This is something I would love to be part of again!”

“It was my first time participating in a community project, and our group helped pack food for the distribution program. There were many volunteers besides us, and it was refreshing to meet people I don’t usually have the chance to connect with. Everyone was friendly and genuinely engaged. I was also able to help translate some Japanese package labels, and people were curious and grateful to learn what the items were. Through this experience, I felt a sense of belonging and realized I still have something to contribute to the community. I truly enjoyed serving—this was incredibly rewarding. Thank you!”

“Helping with this food drive was a great way to serve people in need and feel connected with other like-minded individuals. In a time when vital social services are being cut and our neighbors are struggling, it’s important that we do everything in our power to support our community.”

“I was simply very happy to help the community through this project.”

“I was very proud of our two young men’s contribution in carrying heavy boxes. I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing we worked together as a beautiful team to serve the community.”

“I personally enjoyed the fellowship with people of all ages—from 13 to almost 80. I was especially moved to see ‘special’ young people with various physical or mental disabilities working seriously and doing such a great job bagging food. On our side, I was so happy to see our young men, Kazu and Josh, working tirelessly to load heavy boxes—up to 11 boxes in one car for 11 families. Pastor Margaret is truly a powerhouse! She radiates joy and channels our Heavenly Parent’s love through her example and presence. We were all empowered by this experience and are looking forward to more.”

“King’s Chapel is located near the middle school my children attended, and I knew they were already contributing greatly to that community. I participated with a desire to give back. The project was large-scale and very well organized, and I’m grateful I could join. I hope our own church can someday take the lead in organizing similar community service efforts together with local residents.”