Current:Home > NewsA Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help. -Balance Wealth Academy
A Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help.
View
Date:2025-04-25 19:09:35
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! (3167)
Related
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Panthers vs. Oilers recap, winners, losers: Edmonton ties Stanley Cup Final with Game 6 win
- Forget the online rancor, Caitlin Clark helping WNBA break through to fans of all ages
- Abortion access has won when it’s been on the ballot. That’s not an option for half the states
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Sha’Carri Richardson sprints onto US Olympic team after winning 100 in 10.71 seconds
- Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Is Going to Be a Grandma: See Daughter Alex’s Pregnancy Reveal
- My Favorite SKIMS Drops This Month: Curve-Enhancing Leggings, Plunge Bras for Natural Cleavage & More
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Vice President Harris and first lady Jill Biden travel to battleground states to mark 2 years since Dobbs ruling
Ranking
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Shooting in downtown St. Louis kills 1, injures at least 5, police say
- Q&A: What’s in the Water of Alaska’s Rusting Rivers, and What’s Climate Change Got to Do With it?
- Justin Timberlake breaks his silence at Chicago tour stop: It's been a tough week
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Rockies defeat Nationals with MLB's first walk-off pitch clock violation
- One dead, seven injured after shooting at Kentucky nightclub
- Florida rapper Foolio killed in shooting during birthday celebration
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Bird flu outbreak spreads to mammals in 31 states. At least 21 cats infected. What to know
Bisexuals: You’re valid members of the LGBTQ+ community no matter who you’re dating
Chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants to treat injuries and illnesses, study finds
Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
Edmonton Oilers look to join rare company by overcoming 3-0 deficit vs. Florida Panthers
All involved in shooting that critically wounded Philadelphia officer are in custody, police say
The surprising inspiration behind Tom Hardy's 'Bikeriders' voice