Most agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and in this case a morning meal prepared by the UH Hilo women's soccer team might have been more important than most.

The Vulcans prepared, cooked and plated breakfasts for the Hawai`i Island Home for Recovery on Saturday morning (Sept. 12). In total, 35 meals were put together by coach Gene Okamura's group. 

Okamura's team, along with all other student-athletes at UH Hilo and in the Pacific West Conference, are on hold right now because of COVID-19. During a month in which they would normally be practicing and playing matches, they aren't allowed any soccer activity. Hopefully, they can play matches after the first of the year.

"It was a great way to give back to the community and bond as a team at the same time," Okamura said. 

Nine Vulcans and Okamura began the breakfast preparation at 8 a.m.  The Hawai`i Island Home for Recovery is a residential recovery home that provides safe housing for people in need who desire to live free of alcohol and illegal substances. "We are grateful to be able to lend a hand to this amazing organization," Okamura added. 

Residents enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, spam, eggs and apples. The effort was coordinated in part by the Rotary Club of Hilo as one of its many community service projects.

"What a great example of leadership and teamwork that these athletes are showing by helping to prepare meals for the residents of the HIHFR," said Rotary member Wally Wong. "It is an inspiration to all, knowing that UH Hilo has created an opportunity for their students to serve in their community during this pandemic."