CICERO, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Dozens of first-grade students thought they were attending a regular assembly Friday morning but instead were surprised with new scooters as part of National Random Acts of Kindness Week.
More than 50 high school athletes from various suburb schools presented the 62 first graders at Drexel Elementary in Cicero with the scooters, which were unveiled as the auditorium curtain opened and confetti fell from the ceiling.
The children, a diverse group who mostly come from low-income families, jumped up and cheered upon seeing the scooters, happy to receive a new toy just for them.
“To put a smile on a little kid’s face — there is really nothing better,” said Pat Coogan, a football player at Marist High School who was part of the athlete celebration.
Parents, teachers and staff in attendance were just as excited about the surprise gift.
Luis Illa, the principal of Drexel, who has been in education for 28 years, praised the random act of kindness by the high school students.
Drexel was chosen because 90% of the students come from low-income families, and this is a high-performing elementary school in terms of test scores, attendance and awards.
The special moment is a part of the "Making A Difference On AND Off The Field" campaign, presented by the PepsiCo Showdown and Buddy’s HELPERS.