87-year-old crossing guard hands out ice cream to kids during heat wave

In a time when small acts of kindness can leave a profound impact, 87-year-old Beverly Pappas, a crossing guard, is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.

Working in the scorching heat last week, as temperatures approached triple digits, Pappas went above and beyond her usual responsibilities to ensure the children she watches over not only crossed the street safely but also stayed cool.

Pappas has served as a crossing guard for many years in her local community.

Shotgun Pistol – No FFL Required, Shipped Directly To Your Home

In that time, she has developed a reputation for being more than just a fixture on the street corner—she’s become a figure of kindness and compassion to the children and families who pass by.

On that particularly sweltering day, she decided to spread a little extra joy by handing out ice cream bars to the children walking home from school, turning what could have been an exhausting and uncomfortable afternoon into a refreshing and memorable experience.

Her reason for this small yet significant act is rooted in her understanding of what it means to care for others, especially the younger generation.

“You start out with children. Show them how to be good to one another,” Pappas told WGN 9, illustrating her deep commitment not just to ensuring the safety of the children but also to teaching them valuable life lessons.

For Pappas, being a crossing guard isn’t merely about making sure kids get across the street without harm.

It’s about using her position to model kindness, empathy, and thoughtfulness.

Through her daily interactions, she demonstrates that the way you treat others can have a ripple effect.

The ice cream bars were not just treats to cool the kids down—they were a way to show the children how small acts of generosity can brighten someone’s day.

Her actions highlight an important point: teaching kindness starts young. Pappas sees every day as an opportunity to shape the attitudes of the children she encounters, knowing that the lessons learned in childhood often stay with us for a lifetime.

“You start out with children,” she emphasizes, indicating that her goal is not just to help these young ones navigate the crosswalk but to also navigate life with a heart full of care for others.

In a world that can sometimes feel hurried and indifferent, Pappas’ simple act of handing out ice cream on a hot day stands as a reminder of the power of generosity and compassion.

For her, the greatest reward is knowing that her actions might inspire the kids to carry forward the same spirit of generosity and care in their own lives.

It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about the impact of small, selfless gestures.

Pappas knows that even something as simple as an ice cream bar can make a lasting impression, and in her role as a crossing guard, she continues to be a positive role model, not just for the children, but for the entire community.

Through her actions, she’s helping to cultivate a future generation that understands the importance of looking out for one another.

For Beverly Pappas, being a crossing guard is more than a job—it’s a mission to make the world a kinder place, one child at a time.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.