Odd occurrence at Barnes and Noble

So, I'm at the Barnes and Noble on 7th Avenue and this odd thing happens. Two people come up to me and say they're doing an article on the kindness of strangers and can I give them something. They're very specific that it's an object; they don't want money. I'm not a good judge of ages, but I'd guess high school particular given the way the quite literally squealed when I gave them my old battered umbrella (and a few others who I heard them interact with in my listening area).

Anyone else run into these two? Know anything about them? Am I going to end up on YouTube (again)?