Día Del Niño celebrations on the Central Coast

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) Residents across the Central Coast celebrate their kids today for Children's Day, also known as el Día Del Niño. One teacher on the Central Coast is celebrating by surprising her kids with gift baskets after undergoing a difficult year of distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I was super excited, cause it was my best day ever," said America, one of Velazquez's students.

The children were excited after seeing that their teacher had raised funds to buy pizza and gifts that they can take home with them.

"I got a squishy and a cup of candy," said America. "A spinner and playdoh."

Due to the pandemic, students missed parties and field trips, said Velazquez. They spent the majority of their class time behind a computer screen. This is why she decided to surprise them as they return to in-person learning.

"I think it's so important that they know that all their hard work this year is not noticed," said Velazquez. "I think it was really important for them to see that they should be celebrated And this was the perfect day to do that."

Seeing the kids excited made her happy. She also said that this was a group effort and without the help of donors, teachers, and staff this celebration wouldn't be possible.

"I just want to say again thank you to all those who support our teacher and support these projects," said Velazquez. "Because this is really able to be done because of supporters who help us financially, emotionally, and just support teachers, so thank you."