Blackhawks' Hjalmarsson visits Arlington Heights school

Much like the Chicago Blackhawks on their way to their three Stanley Cup titles since 2010, students from Thomas Middle School and their families put in plenty of overtime last spring to help donate more than 70,000 items to donate to Goodwill as part of the "Pass It on Donation Challenge."

Their hard work was rewarded Wednesday when Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson dropped in on students at the Arlington Heights school to take photos, sign autographs and thank them for their efforts.

"It'll be a fun day," Hjalmarsson said on his way into the school, where he was greeted by students and faculty, many dressed in Blackhawks gear.

Through the Pass It on Challenge, schools across the Chicago area competed to see which could have the most items donated to Goodwill in their name. Every

time someone donated to a local Goodwill store, he or she would give the name of the elementary or middle school they represented and Goodwill would

credit that school.

Thomas and its community came out on top with 70,414 items.

"It means a lot of hard work goes into helping others," said Thomas Principal Brian Kaye. "The Pass It on Challenge is all about taking your items and giving it to people who need them. To raise 70,000 items as a community to give away to Goodwill has just been fantastic."