KIHEI (HawaiiNewsNow) – The halls were decked at St. Theresa’s Church in South Maui on Wednesday as more than 100 volunteers served those in need of a home-cooked meal.
Hale Kau Kau, a program of the church, has been feeding the hungry in Kihei for 33 years.
Christmas is a day the volunteers look forward to every year.
“Today is sharing with other people. This is my family. The Maui community is my family,” said volunteer Mary Trotto.
The volunteers served more than 500 hot meals to those who may not be able to afford one.
“You guys made it super special,” said David Madison. “You’re all dressed. You’ve got the elves and the Santa Claus people. It feels kind of like a restaurant. I love it.”
Madison had nowhere to go this Christmas.
So, he came to enjoy seafood pasta, ham, sweet potatoes, vegetables, butter rolls, Caesar salad and dessert with his friends.
“Having somebody care for you is nice. Being able to gather in a place where maybe you haven’t seen people in a long time and just hang out with them. Being able to sit down. Being able to not have to worry about where am I going to go to eat,” Madison said.
Hale Kau Kau has been feeding Maui’s hungry since August of 1991.
Over the decades, they have served 1.6 million meals.
“It’s an honor and a privilege just to be able to feed people, especially those in need, food insecure. That’s why we’re here,” said Hale Kau Kau Program Director Shawn Wallen. “All are welcome. No questions. That’s our mission, feeding the hungry with compassion.”
Attendees even got a visit from Santa and dozens of keiki received gifts.
Madison is taking the holiday cheer with him when he leaves.
“Christmas isn’t the only time. Christmas is just a special focus. You can embody this spirit anytime during the year. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion,” he said.
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