New Bedford Kids Collect Over 600 Cereal Boxes for Families in Need

If you ever needed proof that big things can come from small packages, look no further than Pulaski Elementary School in New Bedford.

Remember Ja’Marri, the kindergartner who set out to collect 100 boxes of cereal for families in need? Well, he didn’t just hit his goal. He absolutely blew past it with more than 450 boxes on his own.

Let that sink in for a second. That’s more than the entire class was originally aiming to collect combined, and he wasn’t alone.

Right by his side was his best friend and self-proclaimed “BFF Minecraft buddy from 3rd Eye Unlimited," Azarii, who came through in a big way with over 150 boxes of his own.

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A Domino Effect of Kindness

I had the chance to be there Friday morning around 10 a.m. to witness firsthand the annual event and honestly, it’s one of those moments that sticks with you.

The school lined up all of the cereal boxes domino-style throughout the center of the school, down the stairs, and wrapping around the atrium. Ja'Marri and Azarri were asked to be the officials at the start line and when they finally tipped that first box, it turned into a full-blown chain reaction. Boxes falling one by one as the kids cheered louder with every second.

It wasn’t just fun to watch, it was a such a feel-good moment.

More Than Just a Number

Between Ja’Marri, Azarii, and the rest of the kindergarten class, the total climbed into the hundreds, all going directly to local food banks and families in need.

Today I witnessed something bigger beyond the numbers of cereal boxes. I saw firsthand the friendship between the two boys, and the leadership they showed to an entire school, proving what happens when a couple of kids decide to make a difference.

READ MORE: New Bedford Family Fun Day for Autism Awareness

Safe to say it was mission accomplished. Well done, Pulaski!