DCPS homeless students receive donations collected by fellow classmates

The I'm a Star foundation donated $30,000 to the Duval County Families in Transition, which serves the needs for students who are facing a life in transition.

This donation was raised by DCPS students who volunteer with the foundation. They said they had a goal to help their peers who are facing a tough time during the holiday season. They presented the check to the department and DCPS school board at the November school board meeting.

“These are people we’re sitting next to in the classroom every day,” DCPS student Jordan Brown said. “It often times doesn’t show on the outside but it’s definitely a fight on the inside. So we just want to be a part of that as much as we can.”

Students collected donations throughout the community, but mostly through a celebrity basketball game.

“They can be great also,” DCPS Student Naiylah Prier said. “So by raising this money we give them that sense of mind, and sense of opportunity.”

Action News Jax found 1,500 students who are listed as homeless in DCPS; along with 675 students in Clay County, just over 400 in Nassau, and 336 in St. Johns County School District.

With a need for the Northeast Florida area, the DCPS Drop Out Prevention Executive Director Pamala Davis said she is grateful for these donations to help their students in need.

“During the holidays, making sure families are still able to engage in their jobs but also know their students are able to go to school and have access to the things they need, the minimal things that they need,” Davis said.

Davis said they receive state funding, but these donations can be used immediately and without state regulations.

“This donation is important because while we receive funds through the state, there are limitations with some of those dollars,” Davis said. “Through donors like I’m a Star we’re able to use those funds to go towards unique situations, whether it’s related to uniforms school supplies, or the need for seasonal items.”

Families in Transition said they set aside a portion of donations to start a scholarship for high school seniors.

I’m a Star has another event this Saturday, December 1, called Let’s Move Jacksonville which focuses on healthy living and child obesity. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Klutho Park.

Cox Media Group