Come one, come all. It’s a local holiday tradition.
Come one, come all. It’s a local holiday tradition.
Today, the Salvation Army and its community partners will host the 31st annual Hilo Thanksgiving Luncheon at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale on Piilani Street.
For the last three decades, volunteers have gathered to put on a feast for the East Hawaii community, with a focus on its most needy residents — those who might not have homes or families with whom to spend Thanksgiving.
“We kind of like to think of it as a community meal for anyone looking for fellowship,” explained Capt. Shoshannah Ruwethin with the Hilo Temple Corps of the Salvation Army.
Each year, about 850 people receive hot, delicious meals — including turkey with all the trimmings — thanks to help from upward of 175 volunteers who donate their time to cook, deliver, serve, provide entertainment and more.
The event includes a raffle, live music and plenty of holiday cheer.
She added that while the Hilo-area homeless population has grown considerably in the last couple of years, she had no concerns about anyone walking away hungry after the event.
“We have about 75 turkeys every year,” she said. “We usually have a lot left over. Often, people will come through the line for a second plate. There will be plenty.”
Through the raffle, attendees also can win plenty more food, as well as important items that can make a world of difference to someone down on his or her luck.
“What we do is we like to put food basket donations together as raffle prizes. People can leave with extra food, or anything else people donate. We have local dentists who donate toothpaste and toothbrushes. Laundry Express donates laundry cards,” Ruwethin said.
Of course, not everyone is mobile, so volunteers also work each year to deliver meals to elderly or infirmed residents who can’t make it out to Aunty Sally’s. Each year, between 150 and 200 meals are delivered to people’s doorsteps, Ruwethin said.
The doors at Aunty Sally’s open at 10:30 a.m. today, and lunch will be served at noon. Organizers recommend you bring your appetite and your holiday cheer.
“All are welcome,” Ruwethin said.
Email Colin M. Stewart at cstewart@hawaiitribune-herald.com.