Why Starbucks Volunteers at Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center
This past spring, the courtyard at Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center buzzed with laughter, lei-making, and the warm smell of freshly brewed coffee. Among the volunteers serving that day were friendly faces from Starbucks—partners who have made community care more than just a company value; they’ve made it personal.
“I live just down the block,” shared Madison, coffeehouse leader at the Kaka‘ako Starbucks. “To be able to give back to my own neighborhood and connect with kūpuna like this—it’s really special.”
Madison was joined by Melissa, a district manager for Starbucks Hawai‘i, and Aldrinana, a representative from The Starbucks Foundation. Together, they’ve helped make regular visits to Lanakila Senior Center a part of their Starbucks community outreach. From hosting “coffee, tea and talk story” gatherings and supporting lei-making workshops for Memorial Day to serving lunch on Thanksgiving, their involvement goes far beyond a single event.
“We’ve been coming here every other month,” Melissa explained. “Sometimes we’re just talking story and sharing coffee, other times we’re helping with special events. But every time, we walk away with more than we gave. The seniors’ wisdom, their life experiences—it’s a gift.”
For Aldrinana, these visits embody a core Starbucks value: connection.
“We talk about connecting over a cup of coffee. Here, we get to live that out with our kūpuna,” she said. “It’s not just about giving—it’s about being part of the community.”
Starbucks doesn’t stop at showing up. Through their matching gifts program, Starbucks matches volunteer hours with donations. For every hour their partners volunteer, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i receives financial support. On this day alone, 15 Starbucks partners volunteered two hours each—translating into a $300 donation for the center. In addition, Starbucks partners nominated the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center for a Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation, which recently awarded $2,000 to the center thanks to their advocacy.
“It’s such a great way to give back both time and resources,” said Aldrinana. “And it shows how much Starbucks believes in being a force for good.”
Their advice for anyone considering volunteering?
“Don’t be scared—get involved,” Madison encouraged. “Reach out to someone like Susie here at Lanakila. She makes it easy and fun.”
Melissa added, “It’s more than just volunteering. This is a place where you feel welcome, where you belong. You walk in and immediately feel connected.”
From lei-making to laughter, from shared coffee to shared stories, the team at Starbucks continues to strengthen bonds and brighten days at Lanakila. Their dedication shows that even small acts—like offering a smile or a cup of coffee—can make a meaningful difference.
Mahalo to Starbucks Hawai‘i and The Starbucks Foundation for your continued service, generosity, and aloha. You are making a real difference in the lives of our kūpuna.
