Current:Home > ContactRekubit-A Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help. -Secure Growth Solutions
Rekubit-A Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help.
Burley Garcia View
Date:2025-04-07 09:08:38
A Texas 7-year-old with a big heart used her allowance and Rekubitcommunity 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! (1632)
Related
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Suspect in killing of 2 at North Carolina home dies in shootout with deputies, authorities say
- Rescue effort launched to assist 3 people at New Hampshire’s Tuckerman Ravine ski area
- Emily Blunt and John Krasinski's White-Hot Coordinating Oscars Looks Will Make Your Jaw Drop
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ready to campaign for Harris-Walz after losing out for spot on the ticket
- Browns agree to trade with Denver Broncos for WR Jerry Jeudy
- NBA fines Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert $100,000 for 'inappropriate gesture'
- Kansas State tops No. 6 Iowa State 65-58; No. 1 Houston claims Big 12 regular-season title
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Relive the 2004 Oscars With All the Spray Tans, Thin Eyebrows and More
Ranking
- Breaking debut in Olympics raises question: Are breakers artists or athletes?
- NFL free agency WR rankings 2024: The best available from Calvin Ridley to Odell Beckham Jr.
- Trump supporters hoping to oust Wisconsin leader say they have enough signatures to force recall
- Let These Photos of Former Couples at the Oscars Award You a Trip Down Memory Lane
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Mark Ronson Teases Ryan Gosling's Bananas 2024 Oscars Performance of I'm Just Ken
- How Eva Mendes Supported Ryan Gosling Backstage at the 2024 Oscars
- Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and More Oscar Nominees at Their First Academy Awards
Recommendation
Kehlani Responds to Hurtful Accusation She’s in a Cult
Where does menthol cigarette ban stand? Inside the high-stakes battle at Biden's door.
You'll Cheer for Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade's Oscars 2024 Date Night
Oscars 2024: Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky Have an A-Thor-able Date Night
What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
Virginia lawmakers approve budget, but governor warns that changes will be needed
Men's March Madness bubble winners and losers: Villanova on brink after heartbreaking loss
You'll Cheer for Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade's Oscars 2024 Date Night