Turkeys and bags of rice are distributed on Lanai.

WAILUKU — The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) distributed 16,800 pounds of rice throughout Maui County in November.

The annual Rice for the Holidays program began in 2008 when MHLA partnered with Jim Coon of Trilogy Excursions in their annual giveaway of turkeys to the residents of Lānai. MHLA joined in by adding a five-pound bag of rice to go with each turkey.

Since then, the program has expanded to Maui and Molokai, providing rice for food distribution to residents. Rice was recently distributed on Maui through Feed My Sheep. On Molokai, rice was distributed on Nov. 19 with assistance from Molokai Island Foundation.

MHLA partners with many of its members and other community associations to make this food distribution possible, including Trilogy Excursions, Young Brothers, Hana-Maui Resort, Molokai Island Foundation, and Feed My Sheep.

“Our ability to partner with our members and provide support for the community is reflective of the generosity and care of our industry,” said Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director. “Maui’s visitor industry is a big believer in taking care of the community in which we all live.”

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the Visitor Industry. The organization also provides educational opportunities and scholarships, and gives back to the community via the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education golf tournament, and Kupuna Appreciation event. For additional information, contact MHLA at 244-8625.