Volunteers traveled to Molokai on Dec. 7 to fulfill the holiday wishlists of children in Child Welfare Services. CWS families received a holiday meal, wrapped gifts and holiday food packages.

NAPILI – Maui Preparatory Academy, ready to give back, earlier this month coordinated dozens of volunteers to fulfill the holiday wishlists of children in Child Welfare 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 Police Department, Hale Mahaolu, Nalu Grindz and the Golestani Family.

Maui Preparatory Academy has worked closely with Molokai’s Child Welfare Services (CWS) for five years on the Project Give A Gift Program, which pairs Letters to Santa with donated gifts for CWS kids.

Maui Prep Student Senate President Cassidy Otto was among 15 volunteers who attended the annual event on Dec. 7.

“It is a blessing, what we have, so giving back keeps us humble,” Otto said.

“There are not enough words to express our sincere appreciation to the Maui Preparatory Academy, Mr. and Mrs. Golestani and the many donors and volunteers for bringing this wonderful event to Molokai,” Molokai Child Welfare Services Spokeswoman Ruth Misaki said.

“To see the children’s expressions when they open their gifts are priceless. It is also a great time to express our thank you to our Molokai Resource Caregivers, who dedicate their time to providing a temporary home for these children. Thank you to all for your tireless efforts and making our holidays special and unforgettable.”

“This was the school’s most successful year, providing a holiday meal, wrapped gifts and holiday food packages for CWS families. Maui Prep hopes the gifts will give foster families one less thing to worry about this holiday season. These families already give so much by providing a home and family for these kids, and if they need a little support, we want to be able to provide it for them,” said Jonathan L. Silver, head of school.

Maui Preparatory Academy thanked Project Give-A-Gift partners and friends for giving the kids and families of Molokai priceless memories.