Arnoldsburg Elementary students go home with a new toy thanks to peers' character

CALHOUN COUNTY, WV (WCHS/WVAH) — Arnoldsburg Elementary School students received a surprise of a lifetime Thursday. Not only did they get to meet Geoffrey the Giraffe, the Toys "R" Us mascot, they also brought home something extra special in their backpacks.

One 5-year-old student made it all possible. Student Brantley Smith made a special connection with the Toys "R" Us Chief Executive Officer David Brandon last week, when he met Brantley and actress and former West Virginia resident Jennifer Garner.

Principal Charles Thomas said he thought the students were going to be very excited.

"Thinking that, 'Oh man, the kids are going to be so excited and Brantely is going to be excited,' " Thomas said.

Thomas played a message from Brandon in an assembly at the school's gym.

Students thought all of it was for Brantley, until teachers and Toys "R" Us employees moved a wall to reveal a pile of toys.

Brantley had joined Garner on stage in New York to announce an award for the Save the Children Illumination Gala.

Save the Children has been working closely with Calhoun County schools to improve literacy and help with early education. Brantley's family took advantage of the Early Steps program.

Cathryn Miller, early education program specialist with Save The Children, said they group has been working closely with the county for the last three years.

"The Early Steps program goes out into the community and serves families within their home," Miller said. "And these are families from prebirth up to the age of 3 and really work to make sure parents understand their child's development so they're ready and they are on track with the rest of their more affluent peers."

Brantley's story moved the CEO so much, he wanted to do more, so he rewarded Brantley and the school for being a leading example of Save the Children in action.

Jeannie Bennett, chief executive of Student Services in Calhoun County, used to be the principal at Arnoldsburg Elementary. She said the reward showed students that people inside and outside the community care about their success.

"Showing kids that there are more than just teachers here," Bennett said. "There is a community and there is a world, Save the Children and Toys "R" Us that care for them and want to see them succeed."

Toys were divided up by age group and gender. Every student got to take home one Toys "R" Us toy.