KAPAA — Community meals will be filling bellies and hearts for Thanksgiving.
A turkey lunch is set for this Sunday, and a vegan dinner is set for next Thursday.
Ohana Christian Fellowship will be hosting a free event for the island’s less fortunate and homeless at Kapaa Beach Park Sunday. The annual feast, called the “Day of Thanksgiving,” has been running since 1999.
“Day of Thanksgiving has been an opportunity for the community of Kauai to come together at the Kapaa Beach Park and give thanks to the Lord, while loving our neighbor,” said Ohana Christian Fellowship Pastor Gregory Poole. “We all have something to be thankful for, and we all are in need.”
Last year, the Kapaa church served more than 250 hot lunches to feed the hungry and remind them that they are members of an island family.
“As one ohana, Day of Thanksgiving is a special time to enjoy God’s unconditional love through fellowship, a hot Thanksgiving meal, a haircut, clothing, toiletries and linens all for free,” Poole said.
Everyone is welcome at the free event, with live music, dance and other specials.
“If you are hungry come. If you have donations you would like to share with your neighbor as winter is approaching, please let us know or just come join us,” Poole said. “The entire event is driven by volunteers and donations based upon their love for Jesus Christ and love of neighbor.”
The fellowship is continuously involved in community projects. They outreach to assisted-living needs and minister to prisoners, widows, orphans and the sick.
The “Day of Thanksgiving” is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Info: Pastor Gregory Poole, 378-4804
Free Thanksgiving Gathering
Gopal and Radha Harvey from Kauai’s Bhakti Yoga Shack are holding their seventh annual “Free Thanksgiving Gathering” on Thursday, Nov. 23.
“Every year we open up our hearts and home, hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner to the public, and we want you to join us,” Radha Harvey said.
This vegan dinner ensures everyone has some tofurkey and stuffing to eat on Thanksgiving Day. It is an opportunity for neighbors from all over the island to come together and give thanks for blessings.
Last year, they served about 100 people who didn’t have family on island and would otherwise be alone.
For the last six years, they have opened their home for the dinner, but for the first time they will be hosting the gathering at Kilauea Parish Hall.
“We are honored to make this holiday special for them by reaching out in the spirit of love and aloha, opening up our home and sharing this joyful community gathering with sacred music and amazing Thanksgiving dinner,” said Radha Harvey.
Volunteers make the dinner possible by bringing vegan dishes to share, while the Harveys provide the bulk of the meal and play music.
“We are dedicated to continuing this tradition but looking to ease the financial and manual burden of making this special meal,” Radha Harvey said.
Feel free to bring a vegan dish to share, donate money, help spread the word, make people feel loved and supported, or help cleaning up afterwards, she said.
“You never know, even the smallest act of kindness can change the world forever,” she said.
The dinner begins at 5 p.m.
Info: Radha Harvey, 551-6610
