May is National Military Month
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center salutes and supports armed forces with cards, care packages and more
An information table festooned with patriotism invites involvement during a previous National Military Month at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center. -- Photo courtesy QKC
Shakas from participants in QKC’s 2017 NMM celebration -- Photo courtesy QKC
Care packages loaded with ono foods and treats provide a taste of home for active military. -- Photo courtesy QKC
Express your appreciation with messages delivered on giant and donated card. -- Photo courtesy QKC
An information table festooned with patriotism invites involvement during a previous National Military Month at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center. -- Photo courtesy QKC
Shakas from participants in QKC’s 2017 NMM celebration -- Photo courtesy QKC
Care packages loaded with ono foods and treats provide a taste of home for active military. -- Photo courtesy QKC
Express your appreciation with messages delivered on giant and donated card. -- Photo courtesy QKC
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Considered Maui's ad hoc "town square" since 1972, Queen Ka'ahumanu Center serves as a retail mecca boasting more than 100 shops and restaurants and a community gathering place.
Providing a stellar shopping experience for island residents and visitors is only a portion of QKC's distinction as a locus of entertainment, education and activism.
At QKC's epicenter churns an unwavering commitment to supporting local and national causes through monthly events, promotions and charitable giving grounded in increased awareness.
For the last four years, QKC Vice-President of Business and Community Development Toni Rojas has been orchestrating monthly awareness campaigns on issues near and dear to the hearts of the people she serves.
Earlier this month, QKC recognized the 12th annual Autism Awareness Day on April 12 by inspiring a pledge to wear blue in recognition of those living with the disorder. The winning photo received a generous QKC gift card.
In May, QKC sets its sights on the men and women serving in our armed forces and the families who support them.
In partnership with Hallmark Cards, QKC will be mailing mahalo cards and care packages to each of the U.S. military branches -- Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and Coast Guard.
"We will honor all branches of the military and provide a central place where the community can gather to extend their support and words of thanks," Rojas explains. "A number of our veterans and active military patronize QKC, so it's a way for us to give back."
Throughout the month, the public is encouraged to pen their support and appreciation of U.S. military personnel on giant gratitude cards between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily at the Gift Services desk. Those wishing to contribute to the care packages can also drop off commercially prepared and packaged Hawaii-style goodies -- from Spam and jerky to coffee and candy -- at the QKC Military Gratitude Box.
In addition, select QKC tenants will offer special discounts and promotions to active military personnel with valid military identification through May 31.
On Memorial Day Weekend, QKC punctuates the month-long military homage with bursts of red, white and blue throughout the mall, as well as special events and promotions including the popular Keiki Koloring Korner.
Rojas, whose son is in the Navy and her husband a veteran, knows full well the sacrifices military families make in keeping the country safe and secure -- especially when active personnel are stationed far away.
"They so appreciate the cards and care packages," Rojas notes, "because they miss our island style of living and aloha spirit."
For more information, visit www.queenkaahumanucenter.com
-- Mona de Crinis, Special Sections Writer