Hoda Kotb decided to give back to kids who love to give back.
The TODAY co-host paid a visit to P.S. 117 in Queens, New York, where the motto is “It’s cool to be kind.” Throughout the school, which runs from pre-K through fifth grade, artwork espousing the importance of being nice is displayed, while kindness boxes and students dressed as peace warriors appear in the hallways, and “Kindness Radio” plays on the loudspeaker.
As part of their continued kindness efforts, the students are running a holiday toy drive.
“Usually kids want, want, want, want for this time of year. But our kids are set on giving,” school counselor Keisha White told Hoda in a segment that ran on TODAY on Dec. 17.
“A lot of our students come from really, really rough backgrounds. And when they come here, we teach them consistency with kindness. We see it pay off,” she added.
White said the students have a “genuine love for one another,” which the students put on display for Hoda.
“Kindness is the most important thing,” one girl named Dana told Hoda during an interview.
“School is like your second home, and our objective is to make you feel at home,” another student named Imane said.
“I noticed that when I do something kind, it’s a chain reaction,” a student named Dmitri added.
That kindness plays out with their toy drive, which the kids know can have a lasting impact.
“My parents have done many things for me. I’m very grateful for them. And the toy drive, that could make a better community for future generations,” a student named Joshua said.
P.S. 117 receives federal funding to assist students from low income families, while staff members also use their own money to make sure students and their families have winter coats.
“Our faculty gives because they want to. Whenever I’ve asked for anything, they not only give, but then they even say, ‘How else can I help?’” White said.
In the spirit of giving, Hoda surprised students with a slew of presents for their drive, informing them that Macy’s and Toys“R”Us donated 2,000 toys along with a $5,000 gift card to Macy’s, prompting wild cheers from the kids.
That wasn’t all, though. Hoda summoned the students to the auditorium where she revealed some other big news.
“You’re doing so many things to help other people, so you know what I was thinking about? Maybe it’s time to help you,” she said before leading a countdown that ended with a curtain behind her onstage opening to reveal a Christmas tree and dozens of wrapped presents.
“Macy’s and Toys”R”Us pitched in together to make sure that each one of you gets their very own gift,” Hoda added, sparking a loud set of cheers before she handed out of the presents to the very excited students, who opened them up in delight.
“Happy holidays!” they shouted in unison as they lifted up their new presents.
