Salvation Army replaces large annual Thanksgiving meal in Hawaii with pick-up services

The Salvation Army’s Hawaiian and Pacific Islands division has modified its annual Thanksgiving week meal service this year to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions, replacing its annual sit-down meal for 2,000 on Oahu with drive-thru and grab-and-go options.

“With the generous help of corporate partners, volunteers, advisory boards, staff and Salvation Army officers, we’ve been able to shift our traditional Thanksgiving observances around the state to reach thousands of those in need in our island communities in new ways,” said division leader Maj. Jeff Martin in a news release. “We humbly ask the community for their continued support and encourage those in need of a meal to reach out to the Salvation Army Corps in their local community.”

Through Nov. 30, Foodland and Sack N Save customers can make donations to the Salvation Army at checkout through the “Share a Holiday Feast” program. Monetary donations also can be made online at hawaii.salvationarmy.org.

Some of the Thanksgiving week food box and meal distributions have already taken place, but here’s a rundown of remaining events:

Oahu

>> The Salvation Army’s Kauluwela Mission Corps at 296 N. Vineyard Blvd. will deliver and distribute approximately 1,250 bentos Thursday at various locations. Additionally, the Salvation Army’s Revolution Hawaii will distribute hot meals to homeless individuals in the downtown area.

>> The Salvation Army Kaneohe Corps, 45-175 Waikalua Road, will hold a drive-thru food box distribution from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, while supplies last. Call 235-1408.

>> The Salvation Army Kaneohe Corps will distribute 300 meals from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday at the Kaneohe Corps and Kaneohe District Park, with an additional 200 meals distributed along the Windward coast and North Shore via a partnership with Project Reach. Call 235-1408.

>> The Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawaii, 91-3257 Kualakai Parkway, will hold a Thanksgiving ‘Ohana Drive-Thru Event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, distributing 2,100 meals and other treats while supplies last. The event includes meals, entertainment and blessing stations. Call 682-5505.

Kauai

>> The Salvation Army Hanapepe Corps will serve 300 hot meals via drive-thru and grab-and-go starting at noon Wednesday at its 4465 Puolo Road location. Call 335-0307.

>> The Salvation Army Lihue Corps will serve 500 hot meals via drive-thru and grab-and-go starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Kauai War Memorial Convention Center. Call 245-7808.

Maui

>> The Salvation Army Kahului Corps and University of Hawaii-Maui College will share 600 meals via a drive-thru distribution starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the parking lot off Wahinepio Avenue. Vehicles will be allowed to line up starting at 10 a.m., and walk-up distribution will be available for those without cars. Call 871-6270.

>> The Salvation Army Lahaina Lighthouse Corps, 131 Shaw St., will deliver 300 meals to seniors Tuesday, the same day grab-and-go lunches will be provided (times were not given). Call 661-5335.

Hawaii island

>> The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps will offer a drive-thru food box distribution via reservations, which have closed. Call 935-1277.

>> The Salvation Army Kona Corps and Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill will provide 300 grab-and-go meals from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the Kona Corps, 75-223 Kalani St., with an additional 350 meals delivered to seniors and shut-ins. Call 326-2330.

>> The Salvation Army Honokaa Corps will deliver meals Thursday with the help of community partners and volunteers. Call 775-7346.

The Salvation Army Thanksgi… by Honolulu Star-Advertiser