This Thanksgiving, long-time donors, Arma Oana and Kanani Kahana-Reid, pledged to help fill a need by providing fourteen holiday meals for youth in Hale Kipa’s Emergency Shelters.  The pair contacted other individuals on their social network who, in turn, helped spread the word for needed holiday meals.  Despite the turmoil caused by the nearly two-year pandemic, individuals have chosen to give thanks by helping others in need.  From what began as a gift of fourteen meals, seventy meals and ten tubs of ice cream were made possible through the combined effort and generosity initiated and coordinated by Arma and Kanani.

Roasted turkey, pumpkin pie, homestyle gravy, cornbread dressing, seasoned mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, dinner rolls, Neapolitan ice cream

In addition to providing complete meals to the Boy’s and Girl’s Emergency Shelters, the added contributions helped provide meals to other Hale Kipa programs for youth: Transitional Living Program, Independent Living Program, Hale Lanipōlua Assessment Center, Hāloa House, Foster Homes, Community-Based Outreach and Advocacy Programs.

Mahalo to the contributors of this year’s Thanksgiving meals: 

• Kaiser West O‘ahu Clinic: Alexis Fong, Jennifer Cabael, Dr. Marcus Iwane
• Kaiser Waipio Clinic: Nadine Yafuso, Cindy Iverson
• Kupuna Kan: Arma Oana, Kanani Kahana-Reid, Kaala Pat Jay, Mapuana Lum, Anela Maunakea, Ursula Reid, Malia Scanlan, Mamo Wassman