Hilton Grand Vacations’ Contract Services Hawaii department has embraced community support through the Adopt A Family campaign, an initiative that began in 2016. This annual effort not only aids local families in need but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among team members, enhancing workplace relationships.
Inspiring Team Participation
When Arzel Ellazar became a supervisor in 2016, he was eager to inspire his team to extend their hospitality expertise beyond their work environment. Drawing from his own experiences of growing up in a low-income family in Kalihi, Honolulu, Ellazar wanted to encourage his colleagues to make a positive impact in their community. “I had just become a supervisor in the department,” he recalled. “I wanted to show them, outside of just the work that they do, they should grow and become better people.”
Ellazar learned about the Adopt A Family campaign run by Helping Hands Hawaii and saw an opportunity for his team to contribute. “It really just resonated and everyone decided they wanted to pitch in,” he said, highlighting the enthusiasm that followed his invitation to participate. The campaign allows donors to “adopt a family” and fulfill their wish lists, ensuring that families receive gifts during the holiday season.
Making a Difference for Local Families
The initiative aligns with the goals of the Good Neighbor Fund holiday drive, which collaborates with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and First Hawaiian Bank. This year, Ellazar’s team adopted two families, including a grandmother who selflessly requested items solely for her grandson. “Obviously we are going to get her something so she can be appreciated and recognized, too,” said Traci Lum, who trains employees in the department.
The second family consists of a mother facing health challenges, who requested cleaning supplies to maintain a tidy home. “Right now my cubicle is filled with stuff that people have brought over the last couple of weeks,” Lum noted, emphasizing the generosity of her colleagues.
Participating in the Adopt A Family campaign has brought about profound reflections for team members, as they recognise the significance of everyday items they often take for granted. “It’s very humbling, it makes you grateful for what you have,” Lum explained. “It really opens your mind and your eyes.”
As contracts manager, Ellazar has witnessed the positive effects of the program on employee interactions. “You start to hear the more quiet team members speak up more about, ‘OK, why don’t we try to get them this?’” he said, noting how the initiative has encouraged deeper connections within the team.
Continuing the Spirit of Giving
The success of the Adopt A Family campaign highlights the dual purpose of community support and personal growth. “We try to manage the team members to the standard of the Hilton values, but also we want them to grow to be better people,” Ellazar stated. “That’s the whole point. It’s not just growth within the office, it’s growth outside.”
While the donor registration period for this year has closed, those wishing to support families in need can still make online contributions at helpinghandshawaii.org. Monetary donations are accepted year-round, allowing funds to be allocated to families who have not yet been matched with a donor for the next holiday season.
