Three Cy Ranch custodians turned out to be heroes in disguise this past November when they got a head start on their winter holiday generosity. Together, the custodians raised $150 to go toward helping two Cy Ranch families during the Thanksgiving holiday, buying two turkeys and other Thanksgiving dinner trimmings to ensure that these families had a joyous celebration.

Custodians Su Mai, Liem Ngo, and Chung Ngo can usually be seen working the night shift at Cy Ranch, keeping the school in top shape and becoming familiar with the school’s lesser-seen corners.Their knowledge of these crevices is what gave them the idea to raise money — when they saw how many aluminum cans are thrown away per day at the Ranch, these custodians decided to recycle them for cash, creating a drive spurred by both goodwill toward others and environmental concern.

Trading used aluminum cans in for money is somewhat of a monthly tradition among the custodians, who usually send the money back to their families in Vietnam. This November, however, they decided to use their funds to help families right here in the Cypress community.

“What an incredible show of generosity from a group that does not get the recognition that it deserves,” said Associate Principal Rob Brotemarkle.

These custodians turned everyday trash into a the biggest treasure of all — compassion. One of the families that received a hearty Thanksgiving meal thanks to them expressed their gratitude for the custodians’ “open hearts and generosity” during the holiday season.

“Not only did [they] give our family wonderful food, but [they] also provided us with tons of heart-filled happiness,” they said. “[The] help is so important to us and will never be forgotten.”