Maui Preparatory Academy’s Project Give-A-Gift Delivers to Molokaʻi

Maui Preparatory Academy’s Project Give-A-Gift Delivers on the Island of Molokaʻi

Project Give-a-Gift delivered holiday cheer to dozens of children in Child Protective Services on the Island of Molokaʻi.

The student-led delivery was made possible through the combined efforts of Maui Preparatory Academy, Goodfellow Brothers, Inc, Lahaina Grill, Kahana Door of Faith Church, Better Together Photography, Molokaʻi Fire and Police Departments, and the Golestani Family.

The partners worked together to fulfill letters to Santa written by children in the Child Protective Services program. The letters were full of dreams and wishes of bicycles, puppies, video games and baseball gloves. The letters often included promises to turn in homework, learn math facts, and to read 20 minutes every day.

“This time of year can be particularly painful for foster children who are forced to spend holidays away from family due to circumstances beyond their control,” said Ruth Misaki. “Think about how much Christmas means to a child; this annual toy delivery means everything to them. For one day they can just be a kid.”

“Watching our community respond to the needs and wishes of these families is always a humbling and astonishing experience. This year, we saw one family fulfill the requests of over a dozen children. I am not sure who received more joy, the children or the giver,” said Jenny Worth. “I have had the privilege of participating in all four deliveries to Molokaʻi. There have been many tears of gratitude, jumps for joy, and warm hugs.”

Nine years ago, the annual Project Give-a-Gift drive was originally the brainchild of a Maui Prep student and now Maui Prep and Lehigh University graduate Sarafina Huck.

Organizers extended thanks to Project Give-a-Gift partners and friends for giving the kids and families of Molokaʻi priceless memories.