LIHUE — Flora Espiritu doesn’t remember how long ago she started shredding turkeys for the Salvation Army. “We were behind the Pizza Hut and doing it for the care homes and people who couldn’t leave home,” Espiritu said while her
LIHUE — Flora Espiritu doesn’t remember how long ago she started shredding turkeys for the Salvation Army.
“We were behind the Pizza Hut and doing it for the care homes and people who couldn’t leave home,” Espiritu said while her fingers deftly shredded pieces of turkey in the bustling Salvation Army, Lihue Corps kitchen Tuesday. “I don’t know how long ago that was. My husband, Alfredo, and myself are in our 80s and still doing it.”
Espiritu said the community luncheon hosted by The Salvation Army has grown each year.
“The major asked the mayor if we could use some place in the county because we couldn’t hold any more people,” the great-grandmother said while Alfredo wrapped a tray of shredded turkey for the warmer. “This is what keeps us young — this, and the great-grandchildren!”
The Salvation Army Cadet Helen Reyes said there were 35 turkeys being prepared along with stuffing, gravy, and other items for its 51st annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon today, which is expecting more than 1,000 people.
“This is only for the Lihue Corps,” Reyes said. “We don’t know how many people are going to the lunch at the Salvation Army, Hanapepe Corps.”
Doors to the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall open from 10 a.m. to noon. The Hanapepe Corps, adjacent to the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center and Hanapepe Stadium, will serve meals from 10:30 a.m.
