The Philadelphia police officer has been playing this game every Labor Day for the last 16 years.
She buys school supplies with her own money and then gives them away to children in her old South Philadelphia neighborhood.
"I truly believe that it is up to us as adults to put in the hands of our youth what they need to succeed and that is why I do this," Officer Ector said.
Clearly, Nadine Ector has learned a lesson or two about kids, if you show them learning can be fun, they'll actually look forward to going back to school
That's why the children had to play games in order to win their school supplies and a special prize.
"We all know that the kids are not going come out just for school supplies, even though we know their parents want them to. So I decided if I have them come out, play these games, win school supplies and win things they like which is toys and candy, they'll come out and here they are," Officer Ector said.
There were lots of happy kids here today; especially those who won cherished prizes.
"I learned if you try and try, you can win something," second grader Denna Camps said.
Parents appreciate this lesson in selfless giving.
"This is what the children need; they need to know there are adults out there looking out for them and their education needs," Roger Wilkerson of South Philadelphia said.
Thanks to Nadine Ector and these games of chance there's no chance these children will return to school without the school supplies and the emotional support they'll need to succeed.
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