Current:Home > StocksA Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help. -BeyondProfit Compass
A Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help.
View
Date:2025-04-12 11:48:55
A Texas 7-year-old with a big heart used her allowance and community donations to make goodie bags for people experiencing homelessness this month.
Davenee Jaramillo is a second grader in the Levelland Independent School District, west of Lubbock.
“Whenever I see homeless people, it makes me sad,” she told USA TODAY.
Her mom, Debbie Jaramillo, said she has been asking her parents how she can help those in need for over a year. On Jan. 4, she got the idea to make goodie bags with all the essentials so she could pass them out to locals.
“We put a lot of food,” the 7-year-old said. “We put socks, (toenail) clippers. We put toothbrushes, toothpaste … water and little goodies.”
She aimed high and set out to make 100 bags, only her $20 allowance wasn’t enough to cover all of her supplies. The family decided to raise money by posting a video asking for help.
“I just sent a little group text out and immediately she had people sending donations to help her out,” Debbie said. “It added up quickly. It was overwhelming. Just that night, within two hours, she raised money.”
Family, friends, coworkers and other community members donated via Venmo and they raised between $700 and $800.
“It felt pretty good how people donated,” said Davenee, who expected to get around $100 or $200.
‘God put us in the right place at the right time’
In addition to the toothpaste, toothbrushes and other items Davenee put in the bags, people also donated blankets, ponchos and other items, her mom said.
Davenee’s mom, dad, brother and other family members chipped in to put them together.
“We just started an assembly line and it was fun,” her mother said, later adding that it took about an hour to knock them all out.
They passed the goodie bags out at multiple locations throughout their area, including to police stations so officers can hand them out to people they encounter.
The family also went to a transitional homeless shelter called Grace Campus in Lubbock since they know lots of people go there for support.
“We loaded her up in a trailer and we put the blankets in the bags,” her mom said. “She just immediately was in her element, just handing out and talking to people. It was pretty nice to see.”
Something pretty special happened later on, too. The family was driving down a random street and saw St. Benedict's Chapel preparing to feed locals in need.
“I felt like God put us in the right place at the right time,” she said.
They got out of the car and a gentleman greeted them, inviting them inside. He told them they were getting ready to feed people as they do each night. The family asked if it’d be OK to drop off some of their bags.
“They were thrilled and we were thrilled,” Debbie said, adding that they have items left over and plan to pass out more items soon.
More feel good news:A woman's 1959 bridal photos were long lost. Now the 85-year-old has those memories back.
Meet Davanee: The small hero with a big heart
Aside from giving to those in need, Davenee likes to watch television and play. She also plays basketball and she’s super crafty.
“She’s shy and loving, but at home, she's my silly girl,” her mom said. “A lot of people don't get to see that side.”
Her mom calls her “the little teacher” and when they play school, Davenee is the teacher and the principal, her mom laughed.
Davenee wants to help more people this summer and has a challenge for people everywhere.
“Be kind to other people,” she said.
To donate to Davenee’s cause, visit www.venmo.com/u/DebbieJaramillo.
veryGood! (6776)
Related
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Singer Cody Simpson fails to make Australian Olympic swimming team
- Armie Hammer Breaks Silence on Cannibalism Accusations
- Tony Awards biggest moments: Angelina Jolie wins first Tony, Brooke Shields rocks Crocs
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore set to issue 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions
- A$AP Rocky stars alongside his and Rihanna's sons in Father's Day campaign: See the photos
- Severe weather forecast around US with high Southwest temperatures, Gulf rain and Rockies snow
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Sabrina Carpenter Addresses Friendship With Taylor Swift After Kim Kardashian Collaboration
Ranking
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- Princess Kate makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosis
- Kansas lawmaker’s law license suspended over conflicts of interest in murder case
- Eight Israeli soldiers killed in southern Gaza, IDF says
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- The Ripken Way: How a father's lessons passed down can help your young athlete today
- Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin fight results: Highlights from Tank Davis' knockout win
- Gordon Ramsay 'shook' after 'really bad' bike accident: 'Lucky to be here'
Recommendation
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Chiefs DT Isaiah Buggs charged with second-degree domestic violence/burglary
Northeast and Midwest prepare for dangerously hot temperatures and heat dome
On Father's Day, a dad cherishes the child he feared infertility would prevent
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
28 rescued after ride malfunctions at century-old amusement park in Oregon
Police: 5 shot during event in Cincinnati park; all injuries considered non-life-threatening
Caitlin Clark's best WNBA game caps big weekend for women's sports in Indianapolis