Maui Preparatory Academy students delivered presents to children in Child Protective Services on Molokai with help from Goodfellow Brothers Inc., Lahaina Grill, Kahana Door of Faith Church, Better Together Photography, Molokai Fire and Police Departments, and the Golestani Family.

NAPILI – Project Give a Gift recently delivered holiday cheer to dozens of children in Child Protective Services on Molokai.

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, Molokai Fire and Police Departments, and the Golestani Family.

These generous partners fulfilled 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 Molokai. 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.

Worth thanked the Project Give a Gift partners and friends for giving the keiki and families of Molokai priceless memories.

Located on a scenic campus in Napili, Maui Preparatory Academy is an independent college preparatory day school with a community-based mission to serve a diverse student population from preschool through grade 12.

Maui Prep is dedicated to providing a rigorous and interdisciplinary academic program, combining arts enrichment, athletics and community service as part of its core values. The school has been recognized statewide and nationally for its programs.

MPA opened its doors in 2005 with 37 students in grades 6-8 and today has grown to over 200 students in preschool through 12th grade. In August 2014, Maui Prep inaugurated its international boarding program for students in grades 8-12.

For more information, or to schedule a campus tour, contact Andrew O’Riordan, director of admissions, at (808) 665-9966 or at admissions@ mauiprep.org, or visit www.mauiprep.org.