At the Tanglewood Elementary School in South Glens Falls, Thursday started like a normal day. For reading teacher Jamie Metivier, that typically means balancing her time in the classroom with organizing the school's Kindness Closet.

With more than a third of the school's families living under the poverty line, Metivier got permission to start the Kindness Closet two years ago as a way to help those who were struggling. 

“It’s horrendous; it absolutely pulls at your heartstrings. We have numerous families, many more than anybody could ever imagine,” said Metivier.

The closet allows families to anonymously request free clothes, household items and anything else they may need.

"They don’t have sheets, they don’t have pillows, many of them don’t have beds; they are sleeping on the floor or sleeping on the couch, and there are four or five of them in a bed together,” Metivier said.

The only break in Thursday's routine was a morning assembly. What few knew in the crowded cafeteria, including Metivier, was that the assembly would transform the school's most charitable endeavor. 

Months after being one of hundreds of teachers to apply for a nationwide grant, Metivier was surprised with a $100,000 check from Farmers Insurance. 

“Utter shock, honestly, but pure joy! This is what we had been working towards," Metivier said.

Others in attendance shared in her happiness. 

“Seeing the reaction was incredible. The fact that we were able to keep it a secret from Mrs. Metivier and most of the school district, it was phenomenal," said Farmers agent Justin Rickson.

One of five winners across the country, Metivier will use the funds to move the Kindness Closet to its own building and expand its offerings to the full district. 

“Overwhelming. It will put families back on their feet,” Metivier said. 

Rickson commended Metivier. 

“We need more teachers like [her]. Somebody who was going the extra mile and really looking out for the students,” Rickson said.

In a tight-knit community where the need is ever present, Metivier says the Kindness Closet's greatest contribution is the message it sends.

“It’s kindness, truly. There is a lot of bad going on in the world, so if we can throw a little good in there, I think that has made a huge difference," Metivier said.