For the folks in the athletic department at the University of Hawai`i Hilo, Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November.

Because of the numerous volunteers that donate their time, effort and money throughout the year, the Vulcans' Season of Thanksgiving lasts 12 months, every calendar year.

"We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers," UHH athletic director Patrick Guillen said. "They save us thousands and thousands of dollars every year through their donation of goods and services.

"For me, being relatively new here, it is one of my greatest blessings in working at Hawai`i Hilo. The people here are so service oriented. It is just part of who they are."

The list of volunteers and the activities that they are involved in are numerous and run the gamut from construction projects to game day service to free physicals/doctor visits.

"It is hard to put a dollar figure on it," Guillen said. "If you added up the value of the time spent and the donated parts and materials, along with the actual money given, it would have to be close to six figures."

The volunteer work ranges from folks that prepare food for teams, to construction companies that build structures and fields at no cost to UH Hilo.

"These are things that at most schools would cost thousands of dollars out of their budgets," Guillen added. "Whether it is the Hawaiian Island Contractors Association building lockers for free at the Civic Center, or the Gibbs family volunteering to do laundry after games, it all adds up to significant dollars saved for us. And it is all done in the spirit of ohana."

THE DOCTOR(S) ARE ON CALL

For UHH head athletic trainer Kensei Gibbs, his department couldn't function without the legion of medical assistance that he receives from local hospitals and private practices.

From free physical exams to specialty care, local doctors and nurses see to it that Vulcan student-athletes have the best medical attention possible.

On-site physicals are free for UHH players at the start of their seasons, provided by local doctors and nurses. The University of Hawaii residents group provide a rotation every Monday to visit the Vulcan training room to assist in the care and rehabilitation of the student-athletes. Additionally, Gibbs has on speed dial every local specialty physician, from cardiologists to neurologists to physical therapists, all whom are willing to donate their services to UH athletics.

"We couldn't provide first-class medical care for our student-athletes without their commitment," Gibbs said. "They give with their time, support and effort. They go beyond the call of duty. Because of that, our kids receive the best possible medical care. I can't thank them enough for their support."

IF THEY BUILD IT…..

Building facility pieces or refurbishing your current facilities can run into tens of thousands of dollars. The Vulcans are fortunate to have a number of local people who donate their time and the parts needed to save UHH massive budget dollars.

This past year alone, groups have donated supplies and built lockers, improved facilities at the baseball and softball fields, and refurbished the training room area.

Again, it was done for a song—or pizza and a six-pack of something.

James Hirayama of Hirayama Electric purchased the materials and oversaw work that was done on the campus baseball field and softball fields in October. They rebuilt the softball and baseball pitching areas, along with some clearing work above both fields.

It was a project that is literally valued at around $35,000.

This past summer and fall, the Hawaiian Island Contractors Association built new wood lockers at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. HPM Builders Supply donated the materials.

"They are really nice lockers," Guillen said. "It gives our guys a nice play to call home when they are at the Civic."

A group from Hawaii Community College worked on the athletic training facilities last summer. They painted and repaired and built cabinets and shelves.
Again, free of charge.

"They did great work, again providing something for us that would have cost us significantly," Guillen added. "I am very grateful for the partnership that we have with HCC."

THE PARTIAL LIST

At the risk of leaving someone or a group out, here is a partial list of volunteers that donated time or materials to various Hawai`i Hilo athletic projects this past year.

Name                                                                         Project                                                           
Hawaii Island Contractors Association                      Built wooden lockers at the Civic
HPM Building Supply                                                Donated materials for lockers
Hawaii Community College                                       Refurbish training room, office doors
James Hirayama (Hirayama Electric)                       Donated/worked on baseball/softball
Tracy Miyashiro                                                        Baseball/Softball (dozer operator)
Blayne Sato                                                              Baseball/Softball (helper/handyman)
Soloman Thomas                                                     Baseball/Softball (helper/handyman)
Marvin Min                                                                Baseball/Softball (machine operator)
Mr. Fujiyama                                                             Baseball/Softball (donated equipment)
Lynn and Chris Hatakenaka Gibbs                           Laundry—towels, uniforms after games
Kawazoe family                                                        Volunteer at concession stand
Eddie and Susan Kalima                                          Volunteer coach, food preparation
Tim Eakins                                                                Ticket entrance, home sporting events
Dr. Alton Okinaka                                                      Ticket entrance, food prep for softball
Millie and Wayne Kaneshiro                                     Leis, physical day, all-sports banquet
Hirayama Support Group                                         feed teams, concessions, fund raising
Lynette Egusa                                                          concessions, physical days
Grampa Richard Maeda                                           concessions, mows athletic grounds
Tracy Miyashiro                                                        concessions, fix it man, builder
Fred Entilla                                                               Volunteer coach, concessions, fix it, mail
Dee Nishioka, RN                                                     Head recruiter 

Medical
Dr. Edward Gutteling, MD                                      UHH Team Physician
Dr. John Uohara, MD                                              UHH Team Physician

Doctors
Dr. Ben Ono, Dr. William Herrera, Dr. Raymond Lee, Dr. Don Matsuura, Dr. Peter Matsuura, Dr. Jay Boughanem, Dr. Mary Nordling, Dr. David Jung, Dr. Richard Lee-Ching, Dr. David Nakamura, Dr. Dan Driscoll, Dr. Henry Lee-Loy, Dr. Raymond Lee, Dr. Francis Cavanaugh, Dr. Craig Winkler, Dr. Sidney Tatsuno, Dr. Elliot Wade, Dr. Jana Souza, Dr. Seren Tokumura, Dr. Karen Rayos, Dr. Gaku Yamaguchi, Dr. Vinny Giani, Dr. Nataliya Holmes, Dr. Tereza Molofino, Dr. William Chapple, Dr. Ashley Kong, Dr. KC Puaa, Dr. Kaohimanu Akiona, Dr. Svetlana Shchedrina, Dr. Unity Nguyen, Dr. Ashley Kong.
 
Nurses
Dee Nishioka, Kelly Okada, Sharon Sugai, Christine Ranan, Pam Melchor, Bessie Shimizu, Dana Deranja, Jamie Libao, Nicole Ward, Gretchen Gilmore.

Certified Nursing Assistants
Chloe Nishioka, Brad Mattos, Sheldon Shishido, Brandon Libao, Gary Catrett, Jolette Nakamura.

Physical Therapists
Warren Arakaki, Kristin Hayashi, Dawn Esser

Clerical Staff
Megan Escalona, Taylor Escalona

Doctor's Office Staff
The Office Staff of Dr. Edward Gutteling.
The Office Staff of Dr. John Uohara. 
The Office Staff of Dr. Ben Ono.
The Office Staff of Dr. Mary Nordling.
The Office Staff of Dr. William Herrera.
The Office Staff of Med Quest and Tia the Manager.
The Staff of Hilo Medical Center.