LIHU‘E — Lion Helena Cooney of the Kapa‘a Lions Club said Thursday the Kapa‘a Lions Club that holds its meetings at the Kapa‘a Hongwanji Mission social hall, is all in for the Kapa‘a Interfaith Association community Thanksgiving luncheon.
Cooney made the announcement following the presentation of $1,000 to the Kapa‘a Interfaith Association, represented by the Rev. Mieko Majima of the Kapa‘a Hongwanji Mission, Sarah Rogers of All Saints Episcopal Church and Preschool, Roberta Yanagawa of the Kapa‘a Hongwanji Mission and Alfonso Murillo, a Lion, and representing St. Catherine Church, by the East Kaua‘i Lions Foundation.
The presentation was made in support of the association’s efforts at hosting a community luncheon that also includes home delivery to home-bound residents.
The presentation also marked the announcement by the Kapa‘a Interfaith Association that the free community Thanksgiving lunch will be served on Nov. 24, starting with an interfaith community worship at the All Saints church at 10 a.m., and a turkey meal prepared by Chef Mark Oyama and the ‘ohana from Mark’s Place and Contemporary Flavors Catering, starting at 11 a.m. and continuing until 1 p.m.
“This year, because planning started during the COVID-19 crisis, lunch will be a drive-thru format again,” Rogers said. “We’re hoping that everything settles down so we can return to an in-person, sit-down event, again at the All Saints gym. But for this year, everyone can pick up their boxed lunches, drive-thru, at the All Saints gym. Everyone is welcome.”
Reservations are currently open for home deliveries from Lihu‘e to Anahola by calling 808-822-3473, and as in previous years, early reservations are encouraged to ensure delivery of Thanksgiving lunch for those who are not physically able to drive to Kapa‘a. Deliveries are expected between 11 a.m. and noon on Nov. 24.
Murillo said the Kapa‘a Interfaith Association is very grateful to Southwest Airlines for their kokua with this year’s event.
“Southwest was very generous in helping us feed the community,” Murillo said. “But we need volunteers. We need help with the home deliveries, and there is always something people can help with in feeding as many people that come through the drive-thru.”
Anyone interested in helping can call 808-822-3473.
The Kapa‘a Interfaith Association churches participating in the annual community lunch include All Saints Episcopal Church and Preschool, St. Catherine Church, Kapa‘a Hongwanji Mission, Kapa‘a Jodo Mission, Kapa‘a Seventh Day Adventist Church, Kapa‘a United Church of Christ and Kapa‘a First Hawaiian Church.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
