WASHINGTON — A D.C. school teacher is back on a mission to make sure students at a KIPP school in Northeast have a Christmas to remember.
Azel Prather, who teaches pre-k and kindergarten at KIPP Arts and Technology Academy, isn’t just thinking about family and friends this holiday season. He’s also think about his students.
He explained that many of the children come from under-served communities, so it means the world to put a smile on their face.
“We’ve had Christmas experiences,” Prather said. “We know what it feels like to wake up and get gifts, but a lot of [students] won’t.
“We try to bring that to them,” he said. “It’s like a big joy factor for me.”
Last year, Prather took to Twitter asking the public for help. He was trying to raise money to buy toys for all 26 of his students. When word spread, he surpassed his goal and ended up surprising all 340 kids at his school with a gift.
Azel Prather
This week, Prather plans to do the same but with a little something extra.
On Wednesday, he’s giving his students a “self-care day” at school. His foundation, The Prather Foundation, has partnered with local barbers, beauticians and nail technicians. It will be a day of pampering and helping kids feel good.
“If you look good you feel good, if you feel good you look good,” Prather said. “They’re going to go into Christmas feeling good about themselves.”
Azel Prather
On Friday, Prather’s foundation will host its Third Annual Zelf on the Shelf, a holiday outreach initiative with KIPPDC at his school. More than 350 elementary students will be surprised with a holiday celebration featuring music, interactive programming and a visit from Santa. A truckload of wrapped presents will be waiting for the kids.
“I just look forward to seeing the smiles on their faces,” he said. “A lot of these parents work hard.”
If you’d like to donate or get involved, click here.
“These kids face things you could never imagine, but they come to school every day and smile, so why not give them that joy?” he said.
RELATED: Maryland real estate firm surprises all employees with cash bonus based on tenure
RELATED: Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres surprise Southeast DC elementary school with $100K
Download the brand new WUSA9 app here.
Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.