The spirit of aloha was evident across Hawaii during Laulima Day, an annual event organized by the KHON2 News and Living 808 team to support local families during the holiday season. As reported by KHON2, communities from Oahu to Kauai and Maui to Hawaii Island came together, offering donations of toys, household items, and money to help connect families and spread love through giving.

The Laulima Giving Program, part of Keiki O Ka Āina Family Learning Centers, has been a vital support system for over 230,000 individuals in Hawaii, providing everything from school supplies to gift cards. According to Laulima Giving Program's website, this initiative aims to raise over $500,000 in cash and in-kind donations this year, with the help of businesses and individual contributions, to continue supporting those in need across the state.

Public generosity on Laulima Day extended beyond monetary donations. At Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo, residents like Lynne Takahara contributed handmade quilts, adding a personal touch to the act of giving. "Every year I make, so you guys get about 10. Today, you only get eight," Takahara told KHON2.

In addition, local businesses have significantly increased their contributions. "Interestingly enough, the laulima giving program has continued to rise even through COVID. So here’s another example of us coming together, reaching more people we have more business partners than ever we’re reaching into the community more often with people like KHON," Michael Wong, Keiki O Ka Aina Business Development Specialist, told KHON2.

Overall, this collective effort highlights the strength of community support in Hawaii, showing that giving goes beyond material contributions—it creates lasting bonds of kinship and 'ohana. "We love all the halau that came to support, all the volunteers. It was a great year. Mahalo," said Keiki O Ka Aina CEO Momi Akana, expressing her gratitude to KHON2.