GREEN BAY, Wisc. — Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai is using football as a distraction as the wildfires ravaging Hawaii occupy his mind.

Tavai played for the University of Hawaii and has friends and family from the islands. He encouraged fans to donate to families affected by fires that destroyed parts of Maui using a link in his Instagram bio during an impassioned media session Thursday after a joint practice with the Packers.

“I know you guys want to talk about football right now, and I’m going to answer those questions,” Tavai said while donning a Hawaii Rainbow Warriors shirt. “But right now, I just want to take the time to allow people out there, to remind them that things are going bad out there in Hawaii. I’m not sure if people are watching the news, but there was a big fire. I know plenty of people that were affected by those fires — people who lost homes, people who lost family members, friends — and I know a lot of people have been asking our media, myself included, on how they can help and support. I can finally be able to present that.

“One way that people out there, especially our fans, can help is by donating to families that are in need directly. On my Instagram, on my social media, I have a link on my bio that literally shows all the families that are going through this struggle. I know a lot of my teammates and myself have done our best to donate as much as we could, and I just ask that anybody in the world right now who’s watching, out of the kindness of their hearts, to give.”

Tavai noted that Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise was the first teammate to approach him to ask how to help. Other Patriots players have donated clothing, which Tavai was able to ship out to Hawaii.

“There’s going to be a lot of Patriots gear out there in Hawaii, hopefully, soon,” Tavai said. “I hope that we just can spread more love out there.”

The wildfires have killed 111 people, and Hawaii Governor Josh Green recently said there are “probably still over 1,000” unaccounted for.