Five-year-old Alex Piil wrote, "If Colgate has any toothbrushes and toothpaste to donate, I would like to help these kids."

NAPILI — It all began when Maui Preparatory Academy’s junior class decided to launch an all-school effort to support “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures,” a campaign that helps impoverished children in Cambodia by providing toothpaste and tooth brushes to improve their dental hygiene.

Inspired by what he learned from the juniors, kindergarten student Alex Piil, the son of Doug and Amy Piil, decided to send a letter to the president of Colgate to ask for his help, too.

“I wrote a letter to Colgate to help kids in Cambodia, because I don’t want their teeth to fall out,” was Alex’s simple explanation of his plan.

And it worked! Alex received seven boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste for the project, as well as a letter from Colgate President and CEO Ian Cook commending him for his actions.

“We are very proud of Alex for taking our school project to the next level. His compassion for others obviously extends well beyond our classroom and school community,” said kindergarten teacher Heather Goss.