Teens Pull Together to Raise Money to Buy Classmate Brand New Shoes in Heartwarming Viral Video

A group of students from Somerset High School in San Antonio, Texas are setting the perfect example of giving to others this holiday season.

Salvador Solis and J.R. Gilbert, a special needs student who has ADHD and hydrocephaly, were chatting during math class about Gilbert’s shoes. Solis learned that Gilbert’s shoes were two-and-a-half sizes too small and wanted to do something to help him out.

Together with his friends, Roger Villegas and Martin Ramos, Solis was able to spread the word about Gilbert and started collecting money hoping to buy him some new shoes.

“He was telling me that his shoes didn’t fit him and if I knew someone who wore a size 13. I didn’t,” Solis told NBC News. “It bothered me that one of my friends didn’t have the appropriate things he needed so he could be comfortable. I wanted to do something.”

The three boys were able to raise about $180 with the help of 20 other students at Somerset High School. With the money, they were able to buy Gilbert two brand new pairs of Nike sneakers.

Solis was able to surprise Gilbert the day before winter break at Somerset High School with the ultimate Christmas gift. The giving of the surprise gift was captured on video and has since gone viral with over 5.5 million views on Facebook.

“It was just the sweetest thing…This is one of those instances where he was able to see that he has a lot of friends,” Gilbert’s mother Linda told NBC News.

Linda Gilbert also explained that while her son does have shoes that fit him properly, he insists on wearing the smaller shoes because they used to belong to his grandfather.

“He loves to try to wear those boots because they’re from his papi,” Linda said to NBC News. “They were a gift from his papi and they don’t necessarily fit.”

According to Somerset Mayor Lydia Hernandez, the video inspired the local townspeople to get more involved in the holiday spirit.

“A couple of people offered locally to send him Christmas presents,” Hernandez told NBC News. “Since school is out for Christmas break, we asked them to send the gifts to city hall.”

Not only did the gift leave Gilbert thrilled, but it also “brought joy” to Solis.

“To be able to make someone’s Christmas one to remember, it’s something that’s going to stick with me for a while,” Solis said to NBC News.

For Gilbert, this will be a Christmas he will never forget.

“He can’t do things other students do like play football,” Linda Gilbert told NBC News. “So when something like this happens, it makes him feel good.”