It was a long was to drive for a free turkey, but for Ka‘u resident Mary Lou Otero, the trip was well worth it. Otero was overcome with emotion Saturday morning as she stood in the mass of people in front of the King’s Daughters Ministry in Kainaliu, waiting for her number to be called. She lives on $350 a month, waiting for disability payments to begin. “I get overwhelmed,” she explained. “I was just happy to have a turkey. Then all this.” One hundred and fifty free turkeys and all the trimmings were given away — an annual tradition since 2004. Helen Vailuu, president of the ministry and manager of the thrift store, has seen many of the same faces year after year. “A relationship with the individuals has become established,” she said. “People open up.” Leinaala Delacruz was helping out at the event before she picked up her own turkey, which she’ll put deep in the imu for six hours. The traditional Hawaiian cooking method offers a different flavor than conventional baking methods. “When you use the imu it’s more of a nice, smoky taste,” she said. Subscribers follow the link for the full story by WHT reporter Bret Yager.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 00:00:41 +0000