LIHU‘E — Hundreds of Kaua‘i residents on Wednesday took advantage of the annual Salvation Army Community Thanksgiving Lunch to enjoy a turkey meal complete with all the fixings. Meals were served at the War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e and
LIHU‘E — Hundreds of Kaua‘i residents on Wednesday took advantage of the annual Salvation Army Community Thanksgiving Lunch to enjoy a turkey meal complete with all the fixings.
Meals were served at the War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e and the Salvation Army Hanapepe Corps adjacent to the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center. The lunches attracted people from all walks of life, gathering for fellowship and the traditional holiday meal.
Celebrating its 49th annual event, the Salvation Army got help from scores of community volunteers to accomplish the feat of feeding hundreds of people, some of whom would not have been able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
Joan Kealalio, Kapa‘a High School Interact Club adviser, said 20 of the club’s more than 100 members took time out to volunteer as servers, joining an additional 10 students from the Kapa‘a High School Pacific and Asian Affairs Council.
These were augmented by the perennial volunteers from the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i and other community volunteers including the James Reeman family from Denver, Colo., who are vacationing on Kaua‘i until Sunday.
“We’re staying in the Princeville area and just wanted to do something meaningful for Thanksgiving,” said Lindsay Reeman, who ended up serving pumpkin pies while the rest of her family ran plates out into the audience. “We emailed The Salvation Army and here we are. We do similar things at home in Denver.”
The Reeman family includes Jim, Susan, James, Lindsay, Jonah and Faith.
Entertainment at the Lihu‘e site started early with the performances of the Ladies of Lei Mokihana Na Kupuna ‘O Kaua‘i under the direction of Lana Rosa and the Rose Kurita Trio. Uncle Herman Paleka and the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center Senior ‘Ukulele Group took the stage prior to Haunani and Wailana, who set the stage for Larry Rivera, a perennial performer for The Salvation Army luncheon; ‘Ilima Rivera and the Hau‘oli Dancers joined him on stage.
Moksha McClure guided the audience through the day’s events, punctuated heavily with drawings for prizes provided by community sponsors and the Kaua‘i High School Key Club who came Tuesday to help set up.
Jeanette Bonilla served as chair, with Sara Miura as the vice chair, Sonia Topenio as treasurer and Jimenez and Salvation Army Major Mario Reyes on the committee.
Another Thanksgiving luncheon is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at All Saints Church in Kapa‘a.
