A 5th grader’s reaction to a holiday surprise warms the hearts and inspires the spirit.

Recently, a Special Education Teacher at Riverside Elementary East in Moosic, Pennsylvania, shared the profound effect small kindnesses, and even a simple toothbrush, can have on a child’s life.

In support of a holiday outreach, the Benco Family Foundation provided a local elementary school with a donation of toothbrushes and dental supplies. The outreach organizers, who “adopted” the  5th grade classroom for the holiday, included these items in larger gift packages that were delivered during a pizza party for the 10-12-year-old students.

The response by the children was overwhelming, according to their teacher, and she illustrated it in her correspondence with the party’s organizers. As each child in her class excitedly opened a package bearing his or her name, one young boy just sat quietly. When she asked why he hadn’t opened his gift, this was his response:

“This is the best day of my life and I don’t want it to be over, so I am going to take my bag home and share the presents with my little brother, and then we will both have a Happy Christmas.”

In her note, this educator stated it best:

“You all made a difference in this little boy’s life today and he will never forget it.  You made a difference in my life.  The joy you brought to all of my students, from the toothbrushes, to the beautiful knitted scarves, were above and beyond my expectations.  We felt the love that went into this and I just wanted you to know your kindness will never be forgotten … today, they are on top of the world.”

If a toothbrush and some love could create “the best day” in a young boy’s life, what wonderful possibilities await in 2016?

Each child had a bag with their name on it and as they tore through it, we heard cries of “Oh my God, a watch,” “I got my very own blanket,” but the most heartfelt comment was when a student just sat staring at his bag.  As I walked over to him and asked why he hadn’t opened anything, he said, ” this is the best day of my life and I don’t want it to be over, so I am going to take my bag home and share the presents with my little brother and then we will both have a Happy Christmas.”  I lost it.  My eyes well up now as I write this.  You all made a difference in this little boy’s life today and he will never forget it.  You made a difference in my life.  The joy you brought to all of my students from the tooth brushes to the beautiful knitted scarves were above and beyond my expectations.  We felt the love that went into this and I just wanted you to know your kindness will never be forgotten.   As one of students said, ” look Mrs. Grace, all of Santa’s elves signed a card for us.”  I responded, they’re not elves Nick, they are God’s angels.

I applaud you all for taking the time to reach out to our Riverside family, wrap presents and donate you time and hard earned money, for sharing your love with these young girls and boys and organizing all of this is time for Christmas, especially when you didn’t have to.  I am glad you did!    These kids are usually the last, bottom of the barrel kids, but today, they are on top of the world.