Crowds expected at charity Thanksgiving dinner

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Salvation Army will hold its 31st Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.

The event is one of several to be held today and tomorrow for the homeless, elderly and needy who wish to celebrate the holiday.

The Salvation Army dinner, begun in 1971, involves more than 800 volunteers and 2,500 guests. Businesses, labor unions, hospitals and other organizations contribute food, money and facilities. The city opens the Blaisdell hall free of charge.

This year's dinner begins at 9 a.m. with entertainment by the Salvation Army Band and other local performers. The dining area will open at 11:45.

"This year, as a result of the worst economic crisis we've seen in many years, we anticipate to have an increase in the number of people who will attend," said Salvation Army division commander Maj. Ralph Hood. "... We hope that this Thanksgiving dinner will provide some relief to those who would otherwise not be able to have one."

Honolulu police officers and Fire Department officials will take part as a gesture of gratitude for the hundreds of colleagues who lost their lives on Sept. 11, Hood said.

Free tickets are available at all Salvation Army Community Corps locations on O'ahu or by calling any social service agency. In Honolulu, call 521-6551 or 845-2544; Leeward, 487-1636, or Windward, 235-1408.

Other events for Thanksgiving:

• Waimanalo Health Center dinner, 5:30 to 8 p.m. today at the center, 41-1347 Kalaniana'ole Highway, sponsored by the center and Argonaut Insurance Co.

• River of Life Mission celebration, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, 101 North Pauahi St. Meals will be served at 10:10 a.m. and 12:10 p.m.

• Hilton Hawaiian Village dinner at the Institute for Human Services, 350 Sumner St., 3 to 5 p.m. tomorrow, prepared and served by the Hilton staff.