LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One small act of kindness by a Jefferson County Public Schools' bus driver continues to make an impact on students.
Larry Farrish Jr. was driving Levi, then in first grade, to Engelhard Elementary School when he noticed his drastic behavioral change. The usual happy boy was sad and tearfully told Farrish he didn't have pajamas for Pajama Day at school. After finishing the route, Farrish bought two pairs of pajamas and brought them to the school for Levi to keep.
His gesture is the driving force behind a group spreading positivity through pajamas.
On Monday afternoon, the atmosphere inside Engelhard Elementary was far from sleepy despite piles of pajamas brought by EJ's PJs.
"I am having so much fun," said Giddeon, a first grader student at the school.
"This might be their only time that they get to have a pajama dance party, so we want to be impactful," said Patricia Poggi with EJ's PJs.
Poggi started EJ's PJs in Long Island, New York to provide pajamas to children who need them the most. The afternoon filled with positivity was a product of Farrish's kind act.
Last year, the JCPS bus driver went viral after pictures were posted on social media. People as far away as England, Norway and Portugal reached out to JCPS.
"If it was one of my students, I would give the world," Farrish said. "And he didn't have pajamas which was something small that can be overlooked. I gave him pajamas and now an entire school has pajamas."
Farrish embodied the New York nonprofit's mission when he gave Levi the pajamas.
"Larry solidified our mission statement that one pair of pajamas makes a difference and if it wasn't for Larry we would not be standing here in Kentucky," Poggi said.
For the second year in a row, every student at Engelhard got a new pair of pajamas.
"For the very first day, I am getting pajamas and I am getting surprises and it's the best day of my life," Giddeon said.
"I feel good and I'm grateful for it," Caydance, a third grade student said.
EJ's PJs wants to give children the safe, cozy and warm feeling a pair of new pajamas.
"You don't know anybody's situation and circumstance and this one pair of pajamas can bring them peace, comfort and joy," Poggi said.
The bright smiles Monday showed Farrish's kind gesture is still paying off.
"It's a wonderful feeling, it gives you goosebumps to see these kids so happy," Farrish said.
The kindness is a model for students.
"You have to treat people how you want to be treated," said Mhret, a third grader.
"Let's make the world a better place," Giddeon said.
To donate to EJ's PJs, click here.
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