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The Salvation Army in Honolulu entertains, provides dinner and kicks off its Red Kettle Campaign.
BY DANIEL de CASTRO
The Salvation Army in Honolulu turned no one away Nov. 24 from its 41st annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.
The entertainment included popular local duo Hapa, the Honolulu Boy Choir, Joe and Shirley Recca, Halua Hula’o Namakahulali and The Salvation Army Island Brass Band.
Since 1970, the Army has welcomed anyone in the community, especially those alone, homeless, elderly and needy. Tickets are free.
More than 800 volunteers helped prepare and serve a meal for 2,000 guests. McKenzie, 17, said volunteering “makes you feel good.”
“It’s very gratifying to be able provide this service to people. A lot of people come to us who are hungry, who are homeless—and some people who are just lonely,” said Major Edward Hill, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional commander.
A few days earlier, on Nov. 21, The Salvation Army kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle presented the first ceremonial donation then spent time bell ringing.
Partnering with Central Pacific Bank, the Army launched its Angel Giving Tree program. Bank CEO and President John Dean announced that every bank branch would be accepting toys and gifts.
