Teacher posts photo of Lucky Charms marshmallows Christmas gift she received from student with 'nothing to give'
Rachel Uretsky-Pratt says she realises the marshmallows are the best part of the cereal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teacher has spread Christmas spirit by sharing a photo of the heartwarming gift she received from one of her students with “nothing to give.”
Rachel Uretsky-Pratt, a third-grade teacher in Washington State, recently described the gift-giving that takes place ahead of the winter holidays at the school where she works - and the gift of Lucky Charms marshmallows that she received from a student.
According to a post Uretsky-Pratt wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, teachers typically hand out small gifts such as books or little treats to the children before their two-week holiday begins.
And during this time, some students also give out gifts to their teachers, with Uretsky-Pratt describing the chocolates, homemade notes and jewellery she received.
However, it was the present of a bag of Lucky Charms marshmallows that stood out to Uretsky-Pratt the most - because it came from a student who could not afford anything else.
“You see, 100 per cent of my school is on free/reduced lunch. They also get free breakfast at school every day of the school week,” she explained alongside a photo of the thoughtful gift. “This kiddo wanted to get me 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.”
Uretsky-Pratt concluded the moving post by reminding people to be “grateful” for what they have and for what others give them.
The post has since been liked more than 345,000 times and received more than 21,000 comments from people touched by the student’s gesture.
“What a sweet gift and what a wonderful child! You must be a wonderful teacher! Merry Christmas,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “What a beautiful gift… it truly came from the heart.”
As for the message Uretsky-Pratt hopes people take from the gesture, she told USA Today she wants people to not forget to be "grateful outside the month of December and to "listen to these kiddos; they’re kind.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments