Project Mahalo is all about the spirit of giving and saying thank you. The word Mahalo means Thank You in Hawaiian. When I think of what saying Thank You really means, my Mom immediately comes to mind. Mom is the definition of a “giving spirit.” She always gives so generously to others, without expecting anything in return. This is the message that Project Mahalo is trying to spread.
Mom has always been this way but I don’t think I ever realized how much she truly does give of herself until I was grown with a family of my own. Mom is never ungrateful for anything and she is always worried about how she can do good for someone else, usually with little or no regard as to how much time or effort she has to give on her part.
My mom is so inspiring and in some small way, she seems to just connect with everyone who she meets along the way. While my siblings and I often joke with her about how she could visit Mars and run into someone she “knows” (stole that line from my step-sis, lol!), and we sometimes get impatient with her because she seems to want to know everyone’s life story — we do know that she is like this because she is so kind, caring and giving.
One way Mom gives is by making things for people. And I mean LOTS of things! Birthdays, Christmas, graduations — or just because — mom is always thinking about what she can make for someone, somewhere. It may be a quilt for a nephew or an old school friend, a scarf for one of her children’s mother-in-laws, a blanket for a friend’s daughter’s new baby, a shoe box with colorful dresses for children far away, or a tearful memory quilt for a little grandchild taken t0o soon. Whichever it ends up being, Mom makes it with love and with the purpose of showing a person that she cares deeply for them.
What does Mahalo mean to you?
To me, saying thank you means that you care enough about someone to give them your time and attention, giving doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or be a big production! Most people just want to know someone cares about them! I want to be like my mom, spreading joy, giving love and saying “Mahalo” by showing how much I care. When I really want to say thank you to my mom or someone close to me, I often will make them a delicious meal, or a treat, then invite them over or stop by for a surprise visit (I haven’t been doing this lately, I’m going to start it up again now that the weather is nicer). Just visiting and enjoying the company will usually cheer both of us and that’s what it’s all about!
Vote for your favorite charity!
King’s Hawaiian wants you to help them say Mahalo to some people who really know how to give selflessly. You can say thank you to these wonderful charities through the King’s Hawaiian Project Mahalo campaign:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Meals On Wheels Association of America
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- One Warm Coat
Just visit www.kingshawaiian.com/project-mahalo and vote for the charity you believe best exemplifies the spirt of Mahalo by giving generously to others, honoring family and community, and reflecting the genuine attitude of the Hawaiian culture. While each charitable partner in the King’s Hawaiian Project Mahalo program will receive a $10,000 donation, the partner who receives the most votes will be given a $25,000 donation!
Then, join the conversation below for the chance to win $100 for yourself and one of the four charities on Project Mahalo!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kings Hawaiian® Project Mahalo. The opinions and text are all mine.
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