Although there’s a lot of bad things happening in the world, there are also good. Especially during the pandemic, we’re seeing an increasing number of individuals stepping up to help others out. Sometimes, that includes taking dinner to an elderly neighbor, picking up an item at the store for a friend, or simply calling to check in on family.
But usually, it’s adults who are doing good deeds. Well, one story has taken the internet by storm. Not only is this inspirational because it involves several people pitching in to help someone but also due to the fact that those lending hands are third graders.
A tragic event
For anyone who’s experienced a house fire, they know how devastating it is. Yes, they lost the structure they live in but so much more. These individuals lost clothes, housewares, toys, family albums, electronics, and the list goes on.
Adults can reason
Although it’s incredibly hard for adults to accept, they know they can rebuild. To them, getting the family to safety is the most important thing. But in a child’s mind, their world just got turned upside down.
This happened to Daniel Hunt
After losing everything in a house fire, Daniel was overwhelmed. Everything he’d ever owned in his nine years of life was gone…forever. While they might’ve been toys, to him, they were his cherished possessions.
Coming up with a plan
Feeling bad for Daniel, his teachers knew they had to do something to make a difference. That’s when they came up with the idea of having a toy drive to replace what this boy lost and then some.
Putting it all together
But the teachers didn’t want to do this by themselves. So, they got Daniel’s classmates involved without his knowledge. Everyone worked incredibly hard to gather all the various toys needed. We’re not talking about a few toys but a lot.
Staying hush
Can you imagine an entire classroom of third graders trying to stay quiet so they wouldn’t spoil Daniel’s surprise? Well, according to Kelly Jones, the school counselor at the Philadelphia Elementary School, that’s what they did…somehow.
The big day
At the end of the secret toy drive, the day had finally arrived when Daniel’s teachers and classmates would surprise him. They were so thrilled to have helped and couldn’t wait to see their friend smile again. With the toys on a table and the kids hidden behind the desks…they waited.
Then it happened
As Daniel walked into his classroom, all the students stood up, raised their hands, and yelled “surprise” as loud as they could. This sweet boy wasn’t just surprised…he was stunned. Initially, he wasn’t sure what was going on.
Beaming from ear to ear
Once Daniel understood what was happening, he couldn’t believe it. When asked how he felt, he just kept saying, “I was like, WOW.” He was shocked that so many people, including his peers, had done something so nice for him.
Checking things out
First, Daniel just stared at all the toys. But then, he began to look at everything, one item at a time. All of his friends stood and watched. They too were excited, which is obvious by all the giggles.
A new beginning
No, nothing will replace what Daniel lost in the fire but he gained so much more. Along with getting new toys, he had a bunch of friends and teachers who provided him with the best support system ever. Considering everything, this is one lucky boy.
Over time, his family’s life will get back to normal. In the meantime, Daniel will have plenty to do. And we’re sure he’d be more than willing to share his new toys with his classmates.
For a wonderful, feel-good story, we invite you to watch the video below as Daniel’s special day unfolded.
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