Twin Sisters Who Lost Home To Fire Donate New Shoes To Every Vian First Grader

After losing their home to fire earlier this year, twin sisters in Vian are teaching everyone a lesson about giving.  

The week before Christmas in Vian, Elementary first grade classrooms are full of holiday-themed lessons but teacher Tori Gillespie said her student Lilah, and Lilah's twin sister Lilly, taught her something. 

"They're humble. And probably the best word to describe them would be: kind,” Gillespie said. 

The girls are shy, but clear on their message: 

"Be kind,” Lilly and Lilah Terrill said in unison. 

Back in September, one of the girls noticed a classmate was wearing the same shoes every day. Since then, Lilly and Lilah have been spreading their message through their bracelets. For months they have been selling them, along with t-shirts and key chains.  

"To buy shoes for everybody in our class,” Lilah said.  

Since the girls are in different classes, they had a lot of work to do. The girls sold so many bracelets, they earned about $1300, which meant they could buy more than 60 pairs of shoes. There are three First Grade classes at the school. Now, every single first grader at Vian Elementary, even the kiddos in the other classroom across the hall, has brand new shoes.  

"It's something I think the kids will never forget,” Gillespie said. 

The twins lost everything when their family home burned down in April. But they still found a way to give, as sisters, who sure know how to share.  

"Buy shoes, for first grade,” the six-year-olds said at the same time.