Current:Home > ContactA Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help. -Profound Wealth Insights
A Texas 2nd grader saw people experiencing homelessness. She used her allowance to help.
View
Date:2025-04-15 13:01:27
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! (76543)
Related
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Dog that walks on hind legs after accident inspires audiences
- Illinois Solar Companies Say They Are ‘Held Hostage’ by Statehouse Gridlock
- 45 Lululemon Finds I Predict Will Sell Out 4th of July Weekend: Don’t Miss These Buys Starting at $9
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- The one and only Tony Bennett
- Christy Carlson Romano Reacts to Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s Even Stevens-Approved Baby Name
- Oil and Gas Companies ‘Flare’ or ‘Vent’ Excess Natural Gas. It’s Like Burning Money—and it’s Bad for the Environment
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- 1000-Lb Sisters' Tammy Slaton Shares Photo of Her Transformation After 180-Pound Weight Loss
Ranking
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- Taylor Swift Goes Back to December With Speak Now Song in Summer I Turned Pretty Trailer
- Elon Musk says NPR's 'state-affiliated media' label might not have been accurate
- California Regulators Banned Fracking Wastewater for Irrigation, but Allow Wastewater From Oil Drilling. Scientists Say There’s Little Difference
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Alabama lawmakers approve new congressional maps without creating 2nd majority-Black district
- Polaris Guitarist Ryan Siew Dead at 26
- Security guard killed in Portland hospital shooting
Recommendation
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
A Florida Chemical Plant Has Fallen Behind in Its Pledge to Cut Emissions of a Potent Greenhouse Gas
Anwar Hadid Sparks Romance Rumors With Model Sophia Piccirilli
White House to establish national monument honoring Emmett Till
Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
‘Stripped of Everything,’ Survivors of Colorado’s Most Destructive Fire Face Slow Recoveries and a Growing Climate Threat
NPR quits Twitter after being falsely labeled as 'state-affiliated media'
Taylor Swift Goes Back to December With Speak Now Song in Summer I Turned Pretty Trailer