BRYAN, Texas (KRHD) — While most kids spend their birthdays unwrapping toys and gifts, one Bryan ISD student is using his special day to give back to his teachers just in time for the new school year.
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Nine-year-old Chase Thornton could've asked for toys or games for his birthday. But instead, he decided to help his teachers get what they need for the classroom by clearing items off their Amazon wish lists.
"I really want to do the right things," Chase said.
The young student has been personally delivering supplies to surprised and grateful teachers.
Chase's mother, Nicole Thornton, explained this generous act evolved from a family tradition.
"Each year we choose a teacher, and I'm like, 'you pick something off their Amazon wish list, we're gonna give that to the teacher and now we'll have your birthday party'. Well, this year is the first year we actually went on a destination trip and so he was like, well, instead of me getting gifts, let's give all of it to the teachers," she said.
When asked how it feels to give rather than receive on his birthday, Chase's answer was simple.
"Well, good, and I really want to do this cause it makes me happy."
Nicole hopes this helps lift some of the financial burden his teachers carry each year.
"The teachers are the unsung heroes of our community. They give so much and they give, they really get little in return except for a kid's love, but for here I'm like as much money as they put into the school and the kids to make sure they have everything they need. I'm like this is just a little piece that we can give back to them," she said.
But Chase hopes to make an impact that goes far beyond classroom supplies. When asked if he hopes other kids his age might follow his example, he answered with an enthusiastic "Yes."
Chase wants to inspire others to "make the world a better place."
Chase and his mother have already cleared two teachers' wish lists but say they're not stopping there. If you're interested in helping, you can check out the link to the Amazon wish lists.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
