Valentines Day was made a little sweeter Tuesday after 50 Maple Creek middle school students fanned out across the Tri-Cities to hand out free coffee, cookies and cards.
Two Starbucks outlets, the Coquitlam animal shelter, the SPCA, six fire halls, three police departments and mayor's offices as well 10 schools, Evergreen Cultural Centre, and Hawthorne Care Centre got treats handed out by students to celebrate Real Acts of Caring (RAC) week.
"We like to give back," explained Shayla Turner, a Grade six student.
Turner and her fellow students said they saw a lot of smiles that day and some patrons at Starbucks gave money so more people could get free coffee. One woman gave the students $20.
"She said she wanted to pay it forward," explained Vanessa Gigna, a Grade 7 student.
The students said it made them feel good to give away free coffee and desserts.
Teacher Melissa Lunden said the students planned the RAC field trip and raised funds to be able to purchase Starbucks coffee for people and pet supplies for the animal shelter. In the end, the students were able to give away even more money because the Starbucks' stores matched the donations and Mr. Pets boosted contributions to the animal shelters.
Students also brightened peoples' day in other ways: one group sang songs to the seniors at Hawthorne and another did crafts with kindergarten students at Panorama Heights elementary.
People were surprised and appreciative of the students' generosity, Lunden said. "This is one day where we do it all,"she said, adding: "We just show up."
At Fire Hall No. 1 in Coquitlam, the firefighters accepted a homemade pie and dozens of cupcakes and cookies.
"It's a very nice gesture," said firefighter Simon Ng, who let students peek inside a fire truck. "I'm guessing it will be gone in a day," he joked.
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