Disadvantaged student touches teacher with sweet Christmas gift from the heart
A thoughtful gift from the heart is always the best, even if it has little or no monetary value attached. That's what a Washington state teacher shared through a viral Facebook post about what one of her students gave her for Christmas.
"This kiddo wanted to get my something so badly, but had nothing to give," wrote teacher Rachel Uretsky-Pratt, 24, of Kennewick, Washington.
What did she give?
The young student carefully took out all of the candies from her Lucky Charms cereal, wrapped them in a plastic bag and gave them to her teacher. The gift was especially poignant because every child at the school receives a free or reduced lunch and breakfast.
"Just to put your life in perspective," Uretsky-Pratt began the post.
She also wrote, in part:
You see, 100% of my school is on free/reduced lunch. They also get free breakfast at school every day of the school week. This kiddo wanted to get my something so badly, but had nothing to give.
So rather than give me nothing, this student opened up her free breakfast cereal this morning, took the packaging of her spork, straw, and napkin, and finally took the time to take every marshmallow out of her cereal to put in a bag—for me.
Be grateful for what you have, and what others give you. It all truly comes from the deepest parts of their hearts.
Happy Holidays.
The post has received more than 340,000 likes, 21,000 comments, and 115,000 shares.
Uretsky-Pratt told USA Today she accepted the Lucky Charms gift and others with the same reply: "Thank you so much, sweetie."
The teacher also received chocolate, jewelry and some hand-written notes just prior to the school's two-week holiday break. But the Lucky Charms was a true sacrifice, she said.
"No one likes Lucky Charms without the marshmallows," Uretsky-Pratt said.
After viral post has gained widespread attention, many other teachers reached out to Uretsky-Pratt with similar stories.
What is the lesson learned?
Uretsky-Pratt told the news outlet she hopes the message inspires everyone who sees it.
"Don't forget to be grateful outside the month of December...Listen to these kiddos; they're kind," Uretsky-Pratt said.
