Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Da Shrimp Hale and Moku Roots joined forces in this holiday giving initiative. PHOTO BY LAHAINA GATEWAY.

LAHAINA — Lahaina Gateway, West Maui’s largest outdoor shopping center, held a private event at the center as part of its 2020 Holiday Giving Initiative. In partnership with The Salvation Army, 125 families in Lahaina received free meals from three of the center’s restaurants: Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Da Shrimp Hale and Moku Roots.

“This has been a trying year for many in our community, and we wanted to create an opportunity to give back and spread some holiday cheer,” said Diana Whitt, general manager at Lahaina Gateway. “Through our collaboration with The Salvation Army, 125 local families who may be experiencing food insecurity received freshly prepared meals from our restaurants. We couldn’t be more grateful to our restaurant owners who generously contributed to make this happen!”

The private event was held at Lahaina Gateway on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Each meal was prepared to feed up to four people. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers prepared gourmet burgers and tater tots; Da Shrimp Hale cooked up chicken wings, rice and corn; and Moku Roots featured its famous taro burgers and burritos. Staff from Lahaina Gateway, along with volunteers from The Salvation Army, were on hand to deliver the meals with smiling faces.

“We are very grateful to Lahaina Gateway and their restaurants for helping to rescue Christmas for those in need in our communities,” said Envoy Kevin Nagasaki with The Salvation Army’s Lahaina Lighthouse Corps.