Marcos De Niza High shares Christmas spirit with elementary students

TEMPE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - "Just having somebody pay attention to them, take them around... you see some tears at the end... it's just heartwarming!" Tom Medrano said.

Smiles for Christmas is a holiday tradition in the Tempe Union High School District that just keeps growing.

"When we started, it was about bringing inner-city children who don't know what Christmas is about," Medrano said. "Society has brought Christmas as gifts. It doesn't matter what religion you are. Some kids go without and don't understand why they don't get a gift."

High schoolers at Marcos De Niza spent quality time spreading Christmas cheer to over 250 students from Frank Elementary with music, loads of games, crafts, food, gifts, and of course lots of laughter and smiles.

For these kids, celebrating this tradition means as much to them as Christmas means to everyone.

"It feels a part of me, a part of my heart to be able to give back to these kids and they're having a good time, so as long as they're having a good time and having a smile, then I have a smile," said Ty Frazier, a senior at Marcos De Niza. "That's what fills me up and keeps my heart warm."