Lanakila Meals on Wheels served a full Thanksgiving lunch to Oahu seniors for the first time at several of its affiliated group-dining facilities.

And the seniors loved it.

"Everyone that walked out was really happy," Helen Castillon said. "I hope it will be a yearly thing for them."

Castillon, nearing 70 years old, said she directs a sing-along group at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center on Wednesdays and also has lunch there daily.

Her group was among several seniors to sing and dance as entertainment before the first holiday meal was served on Wednesday. In preparation, seniors also decorated the stage and crafted table centerpieces and small party favors to give away.

"It’s such a time for them to enjoy," Castillon said.

Volunteers at 16 group lunch sites across the island are serving the special holiday meals this month to about 750 Oahu seniors, said Lyn Moku, program director for Lanakila Meals on Wheels. More than 130 were gathered at the Lanakila location Wednesday.

"This has been such a success and such a treat," Moku said. "They’re just very grateful."

The feast was made possible by a donation of $4,500 from Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Coldwell employees involved in the company’s "Agents for Change" program volunteered to serve the lunch.

"The cool thing about our group is it’s really agent-driven," said Tracy Bradley, Coldwell regional vice president. "Every project they take on really takes hands-on participation."

Dining together is great for mobile seniors, Moku said, keeping them active and healthy and helping preserve their independence.

"It’s really a place where they can come to gather and be with other people," Moku said.

In addition to the Thanksgiving luncheons, Lanakila Meals on Wheels will be delivering 800 hot holiday meals to the homes of Oahu seniors today. Moku said about 200 volunteers will start working at 6 a.m. to get everything delivered.

"Everyone will have a hot Thanksgiving meal," she said.

All of Lanakila’s Meals on Wheels services are offered at no cost to seniors. Anyone interested in finding out more can visit www.lanakilapacific.org or call 531-0555.