Dennis Fujimoto The Garden Island
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The Salvation Army Capt. Shawn Keoho of the Hanapepe Corps had a family emergency and could not be in attendance Saturday at Kukui Grove Center when The Salvation Army launched its 2019 Red Kettle and Angel Tree programs.

“It’s always family first,” said Capt. Bill Simon of the Lihue Corps. “She has to do everything herself. I’m lucky because I have my wife Cathy to help me.”

The personal setback did not stop the flow of people needing help during the holiday season as volunteers registered clients during the entertainment provided by The Salvation Army’s youth.

“We’re so grateful for the strong support our island communities provide each year,” Simon said. “We can’t do this ourselves. We are thankful for our community partners.”

Michelle Panoke of the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Branch was among those in the audience, waiting to register for her church.

“The Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Branch provides The Salvation Army with food for their soup kitchen program,” Panoke said. “My church does the Angel Tree, and I do bell-ringing with the church as well.”

Simon said during last year’s campaign, The Salvation Army helped more than 350 families with holiday needs, including toys and clothing vouchers.

This does not include the more than 600 meals served up by the Lihue Corps during the Community Thanksgiving Luncheon. The Hanapepe Corps served up more than 500 meals, all prepared and served by volunteers and The Salvation Army board members.

Contributions to The Salvation Army Red Kettles support community-based programs in the area of the island where donations are made. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program supports keiki and kupuna in need with contributors providing new toys, clothing and other gifts.

New for this year, individuals and families can make monetary donations or create personalized Online Angel Tree fundraisers at AngelTreeHi.org.

Kettle bell-ringers are also needed around the island. To schedule a time spot, individuals or groups can call the Lihue Corps at 245-2571, or the Hanapepe Corps at 335-5441.

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.