KAPA‘A — A sign on the chain-link fence at Kapa‘a Beach Park drew a steady line of people, Sunday, as ‘Ohana Christian Fellowship hosted a free Thanksgiving lunch with entertainment and a host of free supporting services and resources. “We
KAPA‘A — A sign on the chain-link fence at Kapa‘a Beach Park drew a steady line of people, Sunday, as ‘Ohana Christian Fellowship hosted a free Thanksgiving lunch with entertainment and a host of free supporting services and resources.
“We did it on the weekend so it wouldn’t conflict with other planned events,” said Pastor Matt Victor while making sure the serving line would be open on time. “We have a Thanksgiving lunch with turkey, corn, stuffing, pumpkin pie and the whole thing thanks to Chef Guy Higa of the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club. He did everything. All we had to do was pick it up and serve.”
Victor said after serving more than 400 meals last year, the group planned to serve at least 500 meals this year.
“But there is a segment missing,” Victor said. “There was a group that we used to bring chili and share with about 30 people, but they’ve since gone, so we’re missing them today.”
Victor said in addition to the free meal, Wendy Kirifi of Anahola had a tent set up apart from the dining and entertainment tent where she was offering free haircuts to men and women between meals.
In addition to Higa, Kirifi, the corps of volunteers, many of whom have been turning out for the past 11 years the program has been going on, Victor said they owe appreciation to Clayton Siu for his hours of manpower and Henry Kamanu of U-Turn for Christ.
“There are towels, linen, clothes, books, toys and other resources, all free,” Victor told the large gathering collected under a large tent at the beach park. “We feel blessed to have what we have and because of that, want to share with others.”
While diners enjoyed their daytime meals, parishoners from ‘Ohana Christian Fellowship provided entertainment, many rising from the depths of misfortune and echoing Victor’s sentiment of sharing.
“Thanksgiving is for sharing,” Victor said, smiling as the line of diners quietly accepted plates being distributed by volunteers.
A similar free Thanksgiving lunch for the homeless and hungry will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, according to an Interfaith banner posted along Kuhio Highway fronting the All Saints Church in Kapa‘a.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
