- Ivanka visited Maui two weeks ago on a humanitarian mission
- She distributed food and supplies with group CityServe International
- Thousands remain displaced and rebuilding has yet to begin
Ivanka Trump
made a secret trip to Maui a few weeks ago to distribute meals and
critical supplies to residents still recovering from the devastating
wildfires.
The former first daughter
joined CityServe International on a humanitarian mission where they
distributed 250,000 prepackaged meals for displaced families impacted by
the biggest wildfire in U.S. history.
They visited a Lahaina church that is acting as a food pantry and met with residents who are working to rebuild their lives.
Dressed
in a blank tank top and green cargo pants, Trump wore a name tag that
read 'Iva' as she distributed fresh produce locally grown in Maui.
Ivanka Trump made a secret trip to Maui a few weeks ago to distribute food and supplies to those displaced in the wildfires
During her visit Ivanka Trump passed out fresh vegetables, delivered prepacked supplies and posed for photos.
'Her
humble presence lifted spirits and reminded the people of Lahaina that
they are not forgotten,' CityServe said in a statement.
'Amidst
the tears being shed are tangible signs of hope and love, and with the
arrival of meals and supplies, our partners and team alongside Ivanka,
were hefting boxes of supplies, consoling survivors, and passing out
meals to those who’ve lost everything.'
There are approximately 6,000 displaced residents staying in Maui hotels, while another 1,100 are in Airbnb rentals.
Ivanka
Trump and the group distributed food, water, local produce, gift cards
and other needed supplies to displaced families and individuals staying
at hotels, local distribution centers and pantries near Lahaina,
CityServe said.
The group is also
providing gas cards and air filters to residents, who are being advised
not to drink the water and to stay away from fire-damaged areas.
Trump also used her connections to get other companies to donate goods to those in Maui, according to CityServe.
Next
week, a 747 filled with $1 million worth of supplies will head toward
Maui with ebikes, electric scooters, electronics, toys, dry foods, small
appliances, ukuleles, and several pallets of Jockey clothing - 'all because of a Ivanka's connection,' the group said.
The
wildfires are under control across the island but damage remains in the
2,170 acres burned. The death toll stands at 97 and 66 people remain
missing.
Ivanka Trump meets with displaced
individuals, on her trip to Maui with CityServe she helped distribute
250,00 pre-packaged meals
Ivanka Trump also visited a Lahaina church that is acting as a food pantry
The
burn area of Maui remains restricted to authorized personnel as
officials clean up the potentially dangerous ash and other debris. There
is an estimated 2,200 damaged or destroyed structures.
The cleanup could take months. The early cost estimate is $5.5 billion.
Originally
visitors had been asked to stay away so officials and residents could
concentrate on cleanup efforts on the west coast.
Tourism is a major driver of the economy in Hawaii, and the wildfire on Maui saw state officials to lower their 2023 economic growth prediction to 1.1%, down from 1.8%.
But to help bring in needed dollars, much of West Maui will reopen to tourists on Oct. 8 under a new wildfire emergency proclamation signed last week by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.
Visitors will be asked to stay away from Lahaina and the damaged east coast.
On
that side of Maui, residents in Lahaina, Kula and the surrounding areas
are being advised to only use bottled water or potable water provided
by tankers.
Ivanka Trump wore a name tag that read 'Iva' as she distributed food
Ivanka Trump carries supplies for distribution
The former first daughter also posed for photos with residents
Charred remains of homes are visible following the wildfire in Lahaina
Students
won't be able to return to class until mid-October. Roughly 3,000
students from the four Lahaina public schools have been displaced in the
fires.
Ivanka Trump has partnered with CityServe for almost four years.
She worked with them during the COVID pandemic to provide food to those in need.
She also has helped the group send 1 million meals to Ukrainians and visited Poland with them to aid the refugees.
The
former first daughter has left politics - while she is supporting
Donald Trump's bid for a second term in the White House she is not
campaigning for him - and has focused on charity work and raising her
three children with husband Jared Kushner.
The
Kushner/Trump clan moved to Florida after the left Washington D.C.
where Jared and Ivanka worked as advisers in President Trump's
administration
