Photo:Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
On Thursday, the former talk show host, 69, was filmed handing out supplies at the War Memorial Stadium in Maui, which has been turned into an evacuation center amid the devastating wildfires on the island.
“It’s a little overwhelming, you know,” Winfrey told theBBCat the stadium, before taking a long pause, appearing to be lost for words. “But I’m really so pleased to have so many people, you know, supporting, and people are just bringing what they can and doing what they can.”
The philanthropist, who is a part-time resident of Maui, continued, “So I came earlier, just to see what people needed, and then went shopping because often you make donations of clothes or whatever, and it’s not really what people need. So I actually went to Walmart and Costco and got pillows, shampoo, diapers, sheets, pillowcases.”
Winfrey was filmed unpacking pillows and placing them on residents’ makeshift beds in the evacuation center. She also posed with a number of residents for a picture that wasshared on social media.
“Oprah went to a local shelter to ask first-hand what was most needed,” a spokesperson for Oprah later shared with PEOPLE. “She then went to Walmart and Costco to shop for the items and brought them back. It is heart-breaking devastation. She will do more, as it becomes clear which funds can be the most helpful for the short-term and long-term rebuilding.”
Maui wildfire.County Of Maui/ZUMA Press Wire
County Of Maui/ZUMA Press Wire
According to local media outletHawaii News Now, Winfrey has been on Maui part-time for over 15 years and owns more than 2,000 acres on the island.
Maui Countyissued an updateon Thursday, indicating that the death toll from the fires has risen to 55 people. Earlier in the day, the county alsosharedthat 80 percent of a fire in Lahaina had been contained, while 70 percent of a fire in Pulehu, near the center of the island, was reported to be contained, with firefighters working to secure the perimeter. A fire in Upcountry Maui was still awaiting assessment.
Winfrey’s helping hand to the Aloha State came as Hawaii nativeJason Momoahas also been showing his support for residents as the fires continue to burn.
In his post, Momoa also reshared a message from the nonprofit ‘Āina Momona, which is raising money for theHawaii Community Foundation Maui County Strong Fundto support residents.
TheAquamanstar, who is a Honolulu native, also urged people to stay safe in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
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The statement continued, “I urge everyone to stay safe and heed the advice of local authorities. Let us all do our part to prevent the further spread of the fires and support those on the front lines, working tirelessly to protect our homes and natural treasures.”
source: people.com
