Kids learn the power of giving as Olathe elementary ‘elves’ make holiday wishes come true

OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) - Shopping can get expensive, especially around the holidays. But some shoppers in Olathe are heading home with a bit more money to spend.

On Monday, several students in the ‘Pay it Forward’ program at Central Elementary handed out $100 bills to random strangers at MAJ-R Thrift and Walmart in Olathe.

Over the past several months, students collected donations for their Secret Santa program. In total, students raised more than $5,000.

Central Elementary’s principal, Brandi Leggett, said these acts of kindness go a long way while also helping set these student givers up for success.

“At a young age they what it means to give and that’s something that stays with you,” Leggett said. “It’s not just this Secret Santa, but seeing the reaction and that kindness, it’s just who you are.”

Central Elementary is a Title I school, which means a lot of students receive a little extra help financially. This time around, the students wanted to make sure they were giving all they could in the true spirit of the season.

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