Salvation Army serves 600 meals at annual Thanksgiving Luncheon
BY SKYLER OBISPO
Journal Staff
The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and community volunteers, hosted its 28th annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Nov. 27 at the Chamorro Village in Hagåtña.
The Salvation Army hosted its 28th annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Nov. 27 at the Chamorro Village in Hagåtña. Photo by Skyler Obispo
This year, the Salvation Army and its volunteers served and delivered about 600 meals to those in the community who wished to gather for the holiday, as well as those who are less fortunate or do not have family to celebrate with.
Maj. Eric Tumale, the Salvation Army’s Guam Corps Officer and Micronesia Coordinator, told the Journal that the annual luncheons have grown steadily each year.
When Tumale arrived on Guam in 2023, the organization distributed about 300 to-go plates. In 2024, volunteers served roughly 400 meals.
This year’s luncheon marks Tumale’s second time hosting the event and one of the things he has noticed over the years is that more and more people are volunteering despite how difficult it is getting to donate.
Tumale“Our volunteers each year keep on increasing. I should say [by] double,” he said. “Considering the economic situation right now, we’re so grateful that we’re able to bring families and individuals to a community setting like this where everyone has the opportunity to take part in having a Thanksgiving meal.”
This year, about 200 volunteers signed up to help deliver meals to shelters and serve lunch. Volunteers included community members, organizations, school groups, businesses, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The luncheon also marks the start of the Salvation Army’s holiday season efforts.
Coming soon is the group’s signature bell ringing, Red Kettle Campaign.
Those interested in volunteering may register at the Salvation Army’s “Register to Ring” website. mbj
With Super Typhoon Bavi now packing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and forecast to strengthen further as it moves toward the Marianas, emergency officials are urging businesses and residents to treat this weekend as their critical window to prepare for potentially damaging winds.
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are now in Condition of Readiness 3 as Typhoon Bavi approaches, with both governors urging residents and businesses to use the remaining hours of fair weather to prepare.
Task Force Talon relinquished command to the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-43 ADA), ushering in a new battalion to take over Guam’s air missile defense systems.
Emergency management agencies across the region are urging residents and businesses to execute disaster preparedness plans as Tropical Storm 09W is forecast to rapidly intensify and potentially strike Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a Category four super typhoon.
