LIHU‘E — Former United States Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey once said the “impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.” The community makes us what we are, said Salvation Army Lt. Sarah Smuda, leader
LIHU‘E — Former United States Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey once said the “impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.”
The community makes us what we are, said Salvation Army Lt. Sarah Smuda, leader of the Hanapepe Corps., Wednesday.
Smuda, along with Salvation Army Envoys Larry and Joy Groenleer accepted a joint proclamation by the Kaua‘i County Council and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announcing May 9 to 15 as The Salvation Army Week.
“Our generous donors and volunteers allow us to accomplish all that we do,” said Katie Beer of the Salvation Army Board. “Without their support, we would not be able to provide the wide array of programs and services which include food for the hungry, gifts and counsel to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for the underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance to the disabled, camping programs for youth and much more, 365 days a year.”
The Salvation Army of Kaua‘i will thank its many donors and volunteers at the annual Volunteer Luncheon, Thursday at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, coinciding with the observance of The Salvation Army Week.
Joining the volunteers will be other volunteers from the Salvation Army Thrift Stores, the annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon, Red Kettle bell ringing, Angel Trees, food pantry and others.
An Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year award by the Salvation Army of Kaua‘i will be added to the annual Volunteer of the Year award presented by the Lihu‘e and Hanapepe Corps.
Mike and Elise Winneguth will be recognized by the Lihu‘e Corps for their outstanding service to the Lihu‘e Corps Food Pantry program and Marilyn Heck will be honored by the Hanapepe Corps for her service to the Hanapepe Kokua Kitchen.
Chef Guy Higa of the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club and the American Culinary Federation will be presented the Outstanding Kaua‘i Volunteer Award for his inspiration in initiating an ACF program helping the Lihu‘e and Hanapepe Kokua Kitchens.
Kelli Oride will be honored as the Outstanding Youth Volunteer for her service in the Thrift Store, the Kokua Kitchen and creating a public service announcement which is being used by local radio stations.
“The Salvation Army wants to express our great appreciation for all of the volunteers who offer their time and services to advance the mission of the Salvation Army — Doing the Most Good!” Beer said.
The Salvation Army’s only business on Kaua‘i, as in everywhere else for the last 114 years, is still human business, undertaken with joy for the family of humankind, the mayoral proclamation states.
More than 27,302 less fortunate individuals on Kaua‘i were served by the Salvation Army last year.
The Salvation Army provides relief during natural disasters, specifically emergency assistance during Hurricane Iniki when thousands of Kaua‘i residents were provided emergency assistance in the wake of the devastation, the proclamation states.
During Salvation Army Week, both Salvation Army Thrift Stores will be offering a 50 percent discount on everything, except furniture.
Kaua‘i County Councilman Dickie Chang said there are exceptional bargains to be found at the thrift stores and Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura added how the stores are part of the three-r initiative of reduce, reuse and recycle.
Additionally, Smuda said the Hanapepe Corps, located next to the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center and Hanapepe Stadium, will be hosting a craft fair in its parking lot on May 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to benefit its Kokua Kitchen program.
Smuda said vendors from around the island will be selling crafts, vegetables, plants, food and other items. A plate lunch special for $7 gets a choice of either shoyu chicken, chili, or beef stew.
Kumu Doric Yaris will provide entertainment to enjoy the plate lunch, and a silent auction as well as a large rummage sale at the Thrift Store will make stopping by an experience.
Parking is at the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center and Smuda said the craft fair is a nice stopping point either on the way, or from the Pacific Missile Range Facility open house.
Call Groenleer at 245-2571 or Smuda at 335-5441 for more information.
