Nationwide — Larry Farrish Jr., an African American school bus driver, became the hero of the day for first-grader Levi who didn’t have pajamas for the school’s pajama day. Farrish stepped up to buy him pajamas, ensuring Levi didn’t miss out on the fun.Farrish, who had seven years of experience as a school bus driver, noticed one day that Levi wasn’t his usual energetic self when he got on the bus. He then found out that Levi didn’t have any PJs to wear like his classmates on pajama day at Engelhard Elementary School in Louisville.
“It hurt me so bad,” Farrish said, according to Lexington Herald Leader. “That just wasn’t my Levi, and I wanted him to have a good day. No child should have to miss out on something as small as pajama day.”
Determined to turn things around, he quickly finished his morning routes and headed to a Family Dollar store to buy pajamas for Levi. He returned to the school and had a staff member call Levi to the front office.
Levi’s face lit up with joy as he received the unexpected gift. He proudly wore his new sports-themed “All-Star” pajamas, a scene captured in pictures shared by the school district. Farrish was happy, too, seeing Levi’s happiness turned their entire day around.
This act of kindness is just one example of Farrish’s dedication to connecting with the students on his bus. Beyond driving the bus, he’s known for sharing jokes and perfecting handshakes with the kids. For Levi, Farrish’s gesture made a lasting impression.
“I can tell Mr. Larry is nice and his heart is filled with joy,” Levi said. “I’m usually really happy, but not on pajama day… When he got me the pajamas, I did a happy cry.”