Before your big meal on Thursday, help feed the needy on Maui and raise awareness by participating in the annual Paddle for Hunger hosted by Hawaiian Paddle Sports.

Participants can join in this fun “anything that floats” paddling race, bring either financial or food donations to help feed Maui’s hungry families and burn off some calories before putting them back in later that day!

Check-in starts at 7 a.m. at Kihei Canoe Club, and the race begins at 8 a.m. For information, or to register, visit www.mauifoodbank.org.

Last year, Paddle for Hunger raised more than $10,000 and 1,000 pounds of food. This was enough to provide 42,000 meals for needy families in Maui County.

According to Maui Food Bank, more than 10,000 people in Maui County do not know where their next meal is coming from.

Maui Food Bank is our community’s primary safety net for providing hunger relief to the needy. Its purpose is to collect and distribute food to organizations and agencies that rely on Maui Food Bank to help improve the quality of life of those in our island ‘ohana.

Keep in mind that West Siders can drop off food donations on weekdays (except on holidays) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5A Rent A Space in Honokowai, First Hawaiian Bank in Kahana, Lahaina and Napili Fire Stations and One Main Financial at 2580 Kekaa Drive in Kaanapali.

The Maui Food Bank exists to ensure that no one in Maui County will go hungry. Help this vital charity and have some fun on Thanksgiving.