KAPA‘A – The spirit of Thanksgiving was launched over the weekend as volunteers from the Ohana Christian Fellowship descended on the Kapa‘a Beach Park laden with goodies in a gesture of community outreach. Thanksgiving lunches were the attraction of the
KAPA‘A – The spirit of Thanksgiving was launched over the weekend as volunteers from the Ohana Christian Fellowship descended on the Kapa‘a Beach Park laden with goodies in a gesture of community outreach.
Thanksgiving lunches were the attraction of the day at the church’s 5th Annual Luncheon which attracted a steady stream of diners to the line being manned by church members, community volunteers and members of the Anahola Baptist Church Youth Group.
“I didn’t have to be here,” a volunteer said while watching diners load up on the traditional turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie dessert. “But, I’m glad I came. My wife said ‘we shouldn’t take food from the homeless.'” Food was plentiful, and diners were not limited to homeless, but for anyone who needed to be fed.
Outside the tent housing diners and the serving line, one lady scrubbed empty pans and pots as fast as they were being brought.
She was Sheila Murray, a visitor from Kent, Washington, who stopped her task briefly, “This is what we should be doing,” she said.
“This is the fun part,” added her husband Don who appeared from the serving line. “This is what life is about.”
Ruth Victor, wife of pastor Matt Victor, explained that the church started out their Thanksgiving outreach with just a couple of tents a few years ago. Now they are thrilled to see how big the attendance at the lunch has grown.
“Look at all the tents,” she remarked. “We started out with just lunch, and then someone brought some clothes which were quickly picked up. Now, we have a tent just for clothes that people can browse through and help themselves.”
Clothing items also included shoes in both adult and children sizes as well as children’s sizes being available in almost everything that was being offered.
While diners ate, a steady stream of entertainment from volunteers provided entertainment.
Ford Sueoka of the Kapa‘a High School cafeteria was at the head of the volunteer list who prepared the eighteen 20-pound turkeys that was at the heart of the feast.
The Victors said that a lot of the items were contributed by community merchants as well as some items coming from the church members. King Auto Center was one of these contributors along with Kaua‘i Bakery, Kaua‘i Producers, and the Kaua‘i Marriott who provided the pumpkin pies as well as some volunteers to the event.
“This is just our way of reaching out into the community,” Ruth said while relishing the satisfaction of watching the diners enjoy the meal spread out before them.
“This is what makes a vacation, a vacation,” the Murrays said.
Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
