The free Thanksgiving lunch for the needy has been well-attended for 28 years.

LAHAINA – For 28 years, Hard Rock Cafe Maui fed the homeless, hungry and needy a traditional Thanksgiving lunch on Turkey Day.

Believing that now, more than ever, there is a need to feed the hungry on the West Side, LahainaTown Action Committee will continue the tradition started by Hard Rock Cafe.

“The Thanksgiving lunch for the homeless and hungry was one of the most special events that I organized as the sales and marketing manager at Hard Rock Cafe Maui,” said Ryan Beenken, general manager of Beach Bum’s BBQ & Island Grill in Napili and executive board member of

LahainaTown Action Committee.

“When Hard Rock closed in 2016, I knew it was important that someone carry on with this tradition of kindness and compassion. I’m thrilled that LahainaTown Action Committee was willing to partner with me to make this happen.”

This year’s Thanksgiving lunch for the needy will be held in the King Kamehameha III Elementary School Cafeteria at 611 Front St. in Lahaina.

Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donations are sought to help purchase turkeys and other supplies for approximately 450 people, as well as volunteers to help set-up the lunch, serve and clean up.

To make a donation, visit www.WestMauiCares.org, drop off a check at the Lahaina Visitor Center in the Old Lahaina Courthouse (648 Wharf St.), or mail a check to LahainaTown Action Committee, ATTN: Thanksgiving Lunch, 648 Wharf St., Lahaina, HI 96761.

Volunteers are most needed for set-up from 9 to 11 a.m. and breakdown (2 to 3:30 p.m.), but you may also volunteer to help serve from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteers are asked to visit www.WestMauiCares.org, print the volunteer waiver form and bring it with them on Thanksgiving morning. Volunteers do not need to pre-register before Thanksgiving Day, but they are asked to check-in at the volunteer tent when they arrive at King Kamehameha III Elementary School.

Visit the LahainaTown Action Committee’s Thanksgiving website, e-mail info@westmauicares.org or call LahainaTown Action Committee at 667-9175 for more information on the Nov. 23 Thanksgiving lunch or for other events in historic Lahaina Town.