They were literally passing the hat this morning in Downtown Honolulu.

Off-duty police officers and firefighters, plus military and other volunteers, kicked off the American Red Cross Hawaii State Chapter's annual Hats Off fundraiser by asking people to drop money into their hats.

Today's event took place at Tamarind Park and the four corners of Bishop and King streets.

Tomorrow, volunteers will collect donations at various locations throughout the state from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteers will be at 15 locations on Oahu, including all Wal-Mart stores.

Neighbor Island locations include: Hilo (Longs Puainako and Wal-Mart); Kona (KTA and Wal-Mart); Maui (Wal-Mart and Safeways at Kihei, Kahului and Lahaina Cannery); and Kaua'i (Kukui Grove Shopping Center, Wal-Mart and Big Save in Koloa).

Donations may also be made online at www.hawaiiredcross.org.

All proceeds will go to the Hawaii Red Cross and stay in the Islands to help those in need.