At the Salvation Army Kroc Center on Wednesday, kupuna gathered in the chapel for live hula and dance performances before volunteers ushered them into a decorated ballroom for a full Thanksgiving meal — turkey, stuffing, rice, vegetables and pie.

The annual 1,000 Blessings event, a long-standing West Oahu tradition, serves about 1,000 meals to seniors and families each year through a mix of sit-down service and home deliveries for those who are homebound.

“It’s a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings,” said Maj. Tom Stambaugh, divisional secretary of business for the Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands. “They’ll be served by volunteers at the table, enjoy entertainment, and share that blessing around the table with friends. Some drove here, some came by bus — but they’re here an

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