Current:Home > MarketsA Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help. -Thrive Capital Insights
A Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help.
View
Date:2025-04-26 00:22:43
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! (2833)
Related
- Billy Bean was an LGBTQ advocate and one of baseball's great heroes
- Just 1 in 10 workers in the U.S. belonged to labor unions in 2023, a record low
- Martin Luther King’s daughter recalls late brother as strong guardian of their father’s legacy
- Lizzie McGuire Writer Unveils New Details of Canceled Reboot—Including Fate of BFF Miranda
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Rights center says Belarusian authorities have arrested scores of people in latest crackdown
- Italian Jewish leader slams use of Holocaust survivor quote by group planning anti-Israel protest
- 'Forgottenness' wrestles with the meaning of Ukrainian identity — and time
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Brian Callahan to be hired as Tennessee Titans head coach
Ranking
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- South African police arrest a man who says he started a fire that left 76 dead to hide a killing
- Nitrogen hypoxia: Why Alabama's execution of Kenneth Smith stirs ethical controversy.
- Science vs. social media: Why climate change denial still thrives online
- 2024 Olympics: Gymnast Ana Barbosu Taking Social Media Break After Scoring Controversy
- New Hampshire Republicans want big changes, but some have concerns about Trump, AP VoteCast shows
- Ron DeSantis announced his campaign's end with a Winston Churchill quote — but Churchill never said it
- Norman Jewison, director and Academy Award lifetime achievement honoree, dead at 97
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., and More React to 2024 Oscars Nominations
'Oppenheimer' dominates the Oscar nominations, as Gerwig is left out for best director
Adored Benito the giraffe moved in Mexico to a climate much better-suited for him
US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas
These Gym Bags Are So Stylish, You’ll Hit the Gym Just to Flaunt Them
France’s president seeks a top-5 medal ranking for his country at the Paris Olympics
Dakota Johnson clarifies '14 hours' of sleep comments during 'Tonight Show' appearance