Thanksgiving arrived early for Leeward residents on Saturday, November 21 at the 17th Annual Ko Olina Thanksgiving Outreach. Despite the rainy weather, over 40 Ko Olina Resort resident and employee volunteers came together to distribute more than 4,000 meals to churches and veteran groups in Waianae, Maili, Nanakuli, Kapolei, Ewa Beach, Waipahu and Pearl City.

UPS, who has been an integral part of the community outreach program since 1999, delivered the 2,700 pounds of kalua pork, 750 pounds of ham, 600 pounds of rice, 100 plus gallons of gravy, 400 pounds of corn, 340 dozen rolls, 100 pans of pumpkin pie to the 14 organizations across the west side. Leeward Community College culinary students prepared the kalua pork, while Aulani’s culinary team handled all the sides and desserts.

“Our annual Thanksgiving Outreach is an important core program for Ko Olina and the surrounding Leeward families. We’re happy to support these organizations and provide fresh home-made meals to those who need it the most,” said Sweetie Nelson, Director of Destination Marketing, Ko Olina Resort Association.