PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There was a little something extra in the stocking for Philadelphia schoolchildren on Tuesday. Each of the city’s district and charter school students received a gift, courtesy of the “Philly Specials” — better known as Eagles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, as well as retired Eagle Jason Kelce.
Mailata led the kids at Eliza B. Kirkbride School in South Philly in a rousing rendition of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” to kick off “Operation Snowball.” All 200,000 Philly students received a hat, a toy, lip balm or a certificate for hot chocolate — funded with donations and the proceeds from the Specials’ third holiday album, “A Philly Special Christmas Party.”
“Our students are so deserving of this opportunity because they represent really what Philadelphia is all about,” said Kirkbride Principal Rebecca Julien.
Liza Taylor, a third grade math and science teacher at Kirkbride, said while the kids enjoyed the players and visits from team mascots, there was a lesson to this day. “I think a lot of kids are learning big things from this,” she said, “to give to others, if you have extra to give.”
The Specials moved on to Ben Franklin High School, where sophomore ROTC student Braydan Corker got to meet his heroes.
“Jason Kelce said ‘I like your uniform.’ I talked to Jordan Mailata, he also liked my uniform. And I got them to sign my hat,” said Corker.
“I didn’t expect this to happen but I’m very grateful that it happened,” said senior Alyssa English.
Also unexpected was an appearance from comedian, actor and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Pete Davidson, who tagged along with the Birds for in-person gift deliveries to three schools. “I'm an honorary Eagles fan,” Davidson said at the Alliance for Progress Charter School in North Philly. “I met these guys this week and became friendly. I’m amazed at what they’ve been doing and I’m just happy to be around.”
The players sang along with Alliance for Progress students, where Kelce appreciated the buy-in from sponsors and the nonprofit Fund for the School District of Philadelphia.
“It really speaks to the testament of the city and the spirit of Philadelphia that this was able to happen in our community,” said Kelce. His fellow special Mailata called the day a rewarding one.
“This is living proof right now of what we can do when we come together.”