While a gospel choir sang, Salvation Army volunteers served some 2,000 free turkey meals along with pumpkin pies at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall in observance of Thanksgiving.

"It just gives me a good feeling" to help out at the event, said Clarence Ing, who has been a volunteer for 35 years. He greeted people arriving at the 44th annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

The dinner held Thursday was sponsored by the Salvation Army and the City and County of Hono­lulu and involved some 800 volunteers.

Salvation Army Maj. John Chamness said the event was a good opportunity for the community to get together, providing a place for people who don’t have a place to go or are perhaps home alone and want to be with others.

"They can celebrate this wonderful tradition of Thanksgiving at the Blaisdell Center," he said.

"People go away from this event filled with joy and happiness. Instead of being alone this Thanksgiving Day, they have the opportunity to spend it with their neighbors and friends."

The event, serving the needy, seniors and homeless, was also an opportunity for more than 50 businesses to make donations.

Some 200 individuals donated 250 pies through a "Buy a Pie" program sponsored by Zippy’s and Anna Miller’s.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, on behalf of the city, donated the use of the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and welcomed those attending the event.

Caldwell said he was pleased to see people of different nationalities and that the people at the dinner are a part of Hawaii’s story.

"We are an incredible place, comprised of incredible people with incredible stories. I want to tell you your stories are our stories," he said.

Radio host Billy V, serving as the moderator, introduced Salvation Army Lt. Shawn Uilani Keoho, who carried a whole turkey on a platter to the stage as this year’s official "Turkey Presenter."

The food cooked and served included 900 pounds of turkey, 300 pounds of stuffing, 35 gallons of gravy, 350 pounds of rice, 125 pounds of fresh pineapple, 165 dozen dinner rolls, four cases of butter, 100 gallons of fruit punch, five cases of coffee creamer, three cases of whipped cream and 30 pounds of coffee.

The first Thanksgiving event occurred in 1971 at a Salvation Army Church in Hono­lulu, serving some 500 people.

Statewide, the Salvation Army served more than 5,000 dinners this Thanksgiving, including meals on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii island.

Volunteers included private individuals and groups, including a ski club and Helping Hands Hawaii.

Chris Ghosh said he became a volunteer decades ago when the University of Hawaii’s Honor Society members helped as volunteers.

"It just makes me feel good that I can watch other people have a good time," Ghosh said.

Volunteer Ing, 77, said he worked as a welder and later ran a power plant in China for three years before he retired.

"I’m the kind of person that don’t lay back. I hate to be laid-back," he said.

Melissa Gomez, a junior at Hawaii Pacific University, said she and four other friends decided to become volunteers.

She said she was a volunteer two years ago at a similar event at a Thanksgiving dinner in Chinatown.

"I think it’s cool being able to help someone," she said.