(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Thursday wasn’t a normal day for students at Benjamin Mays Academy in Englewood.
Instead of opening books, they were opening presents.
Students in Pre-K through 8th grade were asked to prepare a list of gifts and were surprised to find Santa made those wishes come true the day before winter break.
“It’s such an easy thing to do that brings so much joy,” Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez said.
The district partnered with Children First Fund to bring a little holiday cheer to nine CPS schools and nearly 3,000 students in underserved communities.
Martinez noted these children often face challenges at home, and some may not know what gifts, if any, will be under their tree.
“We’re all still navigating this global pandemic, and to see the joy in our children, to see the energy, and for our staff to be able to step out of their classroom, it’s priceless,” he said.
Martinez said his goal is to bring the event to 100 schools across the city next year.
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