KIFB distributes turkeys for the holidays

NAWILIWILI — Bing Pellin, 12, had a unique opportunity to learn about charitable giving Thursday as he accompanied his mother Enge to get frozen turkeys for Koloa Union Church.

“He’s home schooled,” Enge said. “This is where he gets to learn about giving back.”

He and his mom were on hand to get turkeys for Koloa Union Church. The church was also assisted by volunteers from the Kaua‘i Government Employees Federal Credit Union from the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank.

Frank Ranger, the director for KIFB, said 750 turkeys for the holidays were being distributed to 23 participating agencies to help feed its clients, the distribution effort getting help from KGEFCU employees, including Darlene Hatakeyama, Lizzette Agrade, Lynn Constantino and Tom Vallatini as well as Shinil Quilty of Shinil Candle and Soap of Lawa‘i.

“Some people say volunteering is a waste of money, but you cannot really own your own business until you share,” Quilty said, noting she took advantage of an order being shipped to a wrong address to be able to come and volunteer. “I’m not able to do too many things, but the KIFB needed help, so I’m here.”

Among the agencies picking up their holiday turkeys, Lt. Austin Anderson of the Salvation Army, Hanapepe Corps, said in addition to his supply of turkeys, he was also going to make a stop at the Kalaheo Missionary Church.

“We have our annual community luncheon on Wednesday at the Hanapepe Corps,” Anderson said. “This annual event helps feed the seniors on the Westside as well as any of the community who wants to join us.”

Jona Pikini, the KIFB Programs Manager, said the Salvation Army, Lihu‘e Corps will pick up their turkeys today, coinciding with its family holiday distributions.

She noted the Salvation Army is among the agencies needing a large number of turkeys. Other programs that have indicated a large need includes St. Michael and All Angels Church, the Church of the Pacific, St. Williams Church in Hanalei and Kapa‘a Missionary Church.

Stephanie Fernandes, the Homeless and Housing director for the Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, was also picking up turkeys, being joined by Tawna Bensaid, the KEO housing coordinator.

“These are for our families in the transitional housing program,” said Fernandes, who hosted a candlelight vigil for Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week  Wednesday at the Lihu‘e United Church of Christ. “These families are really trying.

They work hard, even to the point of working on the road gangs. They’re trying to get themselves into a home.”

During the vigil for National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week, organized by the National Coalition for the Homeless on the week before Thanksgiving, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. noted there was an increase in the numbers of homeless on Kaua‘i from 2011 to 2012 of more than 19 percent, an estimated 500 Kaua‘i County residents being without safe, substantial or permanent housing.

Kelvin Moniz, the KIFB food resources manager, said the holidays are traditionally times when individuals needing help request more food.

He said KIFB is truly grateful to those individuals and businesses that have stepped up efforts at trying to fulfill the needs of the community during the holidays.

“Recently, we received about 200 pounds of food from the NBC (basketball) Camp where they waived the registration fee for canned goods and other non-perishable food,” Moniz said.

“We also were beneficiaries of the Hawai‘i Children’s Theater who contributed about 60 pounds of food from its ‘Scrooge’ production, Sunday.”

Moniz said the KIFB Holiday Food and Fund Drive will continue through Dec. 31. People are invited to contribute by dropping off either at the KIFB facility in Nawiliwili or at any of the Kaua‘i fire stations around the island.

Visit www.kauaifoodbank.org for more information.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.