Kupuna Receive $50 Gift Cards

MEO News Release 

More than 400 lower income kupuna on Maui, Molokai and Lanai received a special holiday present – a $50 gift card to markets on their islands – through a $20,000 AlohaCare donation that was distributed by Maui Economic Opportunity.

The 415 gift cards were mailed or hand-delivered by MEO over the holidays and are redeemable at Foodland on Maui, Misaki’s and Friendly Market on Molokai and Pine Isle and Richard’s Markets on Lanai.

A Foodland discount supplemented the number of gift cards.

“Our goal this holiday season was to partner with nonprofits to make the holidays brighter by giving back to our community, with a special focus on keiki and kupuna,” said Francoise Culley-Trotman, AlohaCare CEO. “We are so thankful that MEO’s wide reach and quick response enabled our donation to help so many seniors throughout Maui County.”

This kind of thoughtful giving reflects the true spirit of the season—meeting people where they are and recognizing their dignity with gifts that matter. While gift cards provide immediate relief and choice, there’s also something profoundly joyful in offering lighthearted, personalized items that bring a smile to someone’s face.

Even small tokens like cozy, whimsical gifts can carry a big emotional impact, reminding recipients that they’re seen as individuals. For example, something as playful as a pair of my face socks—customized with the smiling faces of grandchildren, pets, or loved ones—can instantly lift spirits, especially for kupuna who may feel isolated during the holidays. These personalized gifts turn simple necessities into treasures, sparking laughter, conversation, and connection.

As community organizations continue to bridge the gaps for those in need, blending practicality with joy makes the experience all the more memorable and meaningful.

MEO staff on the three islands, who personally distributed some of the cards, shared in the joy of the kupuna, many of whom were on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program support or receiving subsidies through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Many were surprised to receive the gift cards and grateful for the help.

When health insurance provider AlohaCare approached MEO in early December with the possibility of the large donation, MEO CEO Debbie Cabebe suggested spreading joy among kupuna in need with the gift cards to markets.

“Nothing better than playing Santa Claus for kupuna in need,” said Cabebe. “Through the generosity of AlohaCare, we were able to fill a basic need while spreading some holiday cheer.”