Tūtū and Me Maui’s Keiki Receive Thousands of Books Through Community Partnership November 27, 2024

In a powerful demonstration of community support, Maui’s youngest learners are discovering the joy of reading thanks to a significant book donation to Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool.

Reading Rocks, a division of Lakeside Industries based in Issaquah, Washington, initiated this transformative project with a generous $10,000 book donation in May 2024. The impact doubled through PaperPie’s Literacy for a Lifetime matching grant program, which added 50% more books to the initial donation.

The distribution began on August 12th in Lahaina, where families received their first sets of books. The program will continue to reach families across Central Maui, Upcountry, and Kihei. Each participating child receives more than 15 books to start their home library, creating a foundation for lifelong learning.

This initiative holds special significance for families affected by the 2023 Lahaina Wildfires, offering a bright spot of hope and opportunity through education. “The smiles on the faces of our keiki as they received their books were priceless,” says Mele Hooper, Site Manager of Maui’s Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool sites. “This generous donation will have a lasting impact on our community, cultivating a love for reading and learning among our young ones.”

This collaboration between Reading Rocks and PaperPie exemplifies the power of community partnerships in supporting multi-generational education. Through their combined efforts, these organizations are helping Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool fulfill its mission of nurturing early childhood education in Maui’s communities.

For more information about Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool programs or to learn how you can support our mission, please contact us.