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Giving Back on Thanksgiving
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My husband, daughters (Sabrina, age 13 and Chelsea, age 7) and I decided to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving back to the community. An article in Hawaii’s Midweek, a local newspaper, announced that Operation Aloha would celebrate its 20th Thanksgiving luncheon. They were expecting to serve about 350 destitute North Shore residents from 10 a.m. to noon at the Waialua Community Center. We decided to give up our tradition of sleeping in and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. In fact, for the past three months, we decided to cancel television services as an opportunity to engage in other activities to stimulate our brains. So, this year, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade would not be an option.
We arrived at 8 am, and were impressed with the generosity from the local community along with the NCTAMS PAC (Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific). Each volunteer received a bright yellow t-shirt as they waited for the food to be delivered. The Waialua Community Center looked quite festive with a decorated Christmas tree, handmade turkey centerpieces made by students from Waialua Elementary and St. Michaels’ Schools, along with the Wahiawa Girl Scouts. Colorful Thanksgiving drawings decorated the walls along with construction paper ringed leis that hung from the windows. A local band played live music along with Polynesian dancers who provided entertainment during the luncheon.
Molly’s Smokehouse in Wahiawa prepared most of the meal with money raised from car washes and golf tournaments conducted by JN Automotive. Waialua Community Association received charitable corporate assistance from Mililani Safeway, Wal-Mart, Waipio Costco, Wahiawa McDonalds, Ted’s Bakery and Turtle Bay Resort (provided mashed potatoes and roast turkey). Dole Food Company donated fresh pineapples used as part of the centerpiece decorations.
We witnessed people from all walks of life enjoy not only a free luncheon, but local entertainment which included a visit from Miss Hawaii 2009, Raeceen Anuenue Woolford. It was quite a site to watch high ranking NCTAMS PAC officers mingle and take time to shake hands and visit the North Shore residents during the luncheon.
This was the first time our family volunteered to participate in an event where we served families who were disadvantaged. Our focus was to make our guests feel pampered. Our jobs ranged from serving a cup of juice, another piece of pie or an extra plate to cover any leftovers. My husband assisted guests who were physically impaired to tables. It was incredibly rewarding to see how our simple volunteer efforts were greatly appreciated. Smiles from these needy families thanking us made us realize that it doesn’t take much effort to give back to our community. How many of us are willing to donate a few hours of our time on a holiday? As we fill our tummies and enjoy quality time with loved ones, I encourage you to not just appreciate what you have, but to share what you have, whether it is time, donations or special skills.
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