LIHU‘E — “Let me get you one,” Makensy Peiffer of The Salvation Army said Tuesday during the hot-meals distribution being done at the Lihu‘e Corps on Hardy Street.
Peiffer quietly slipped away to the offices, returning with not just one, but two face masks for the client who showed up without the proper face covering.
“I got you an extra one because it’s easy to misplace these,” she said while handing the face masks along with the container of hot food.
Peiffer’s act of kindness came the day following Valentine’s Day on a day The Salvation Army Lihu‘e Corps hosts its hot-meals day.
The act of kindness is based on the scripture, “Above all, love,” from 1 Peter 4:8, and is the heart of a new campaign launched by The Salvation Army, “Love Beyond.”
Launched on Valentine’s Day, “Love Beyond” is designed to highlight the agency’s year-round social-service outreach efforts. The campaign invites the community to join The Salvation Army in helping suffering humanity, and as a reminder to love others beyond all else, without discrimination.
“Many associate The Salvation Army with red kettles at Christmas, and that is a great thing,” said Maj. Phil Lum, the divisional leader of The Salvation Army Hawaiian &Pacific Islands.
“Yet few know the role we play all year long in helping those who are lost, hungry and hurting. The Love Beyond campaign highlights our efforts beyond kettles, and encourages public support of The Salvation Army with monetary donations and volunteer efforts so that we may continue to provide services every day of the year.”
The effectiveness of these efforts is demonstrated through the collaboration of agencies like Project Vision Hawai‘i Hi‘ehi‘e mobile hot-shower van, Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i, and on Tuesday the County Housing Agency that worked to help those struggling to get out of homelessness.
“They need something to read,” Peiffer said, reaching for a current copy of War Cry to include in the bag of food she completed for the distribution.
Love Beyond will run throughout the year, and will be highlighted across all of The Salvation Army’s communication channels.
As an example, Love Beyond Hunger will illustrate how The Salvation Army’s services are providing more than just meals. And, Love Beyond Addiction will highlight The Salvation Army’s commitment to supporting those in their recovery and rebuilding their lives.
w Info: lovebeyondhi.org
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
