A Jacksonville teacher is helping students in need get ready to go back to school this year.
The Twin Lakes Academy elementary teacher was inspired to make a change after seeing what happens to lost and found items after they’ve sat in storage for months.
Fourth-grade teacher Jennifer Smith is giving hope to those kids who are struggling to have the basic necessities.
“It’s sad and it’s disheartening, because I know every teacher wants to go out there and help,” said Smith.
Smith, along with help from other teachers, started a nonprofit called the Giving Closet Project to collect clothes from schools' unclaimed lost and found closets.
On Saturday, the Giving Closet Project had its grand opening after months of planning, collecting and organizing the facility at 1873 Everlee Road.
“There’s jackets, sweaters and pants. We have a huge variety of items for boys and girls,” said Smith.
So far, 15 schools have donated clothing and Smith has laundered more than 2,000 pounds of donated items.
“By us laundering the clothes and filtering them back into schools over a period of time, then these kids can get the things that they need,” said Smith.
Smith told us she wants this place to instill confidence in needy children, who can pick out clothes they feel comfortable wearing to school. She’s working toward having school supplies, hygiene kits and study sessions available for underserved students.
“Some schools had maybe two bags to fill. Others had five of these bags with unclaimed lost and found items,” explained Smith.
They also carry water bottles, lunch bags and shoes at their facility. Smith told us this organization is more than materialistic items, it’s also about bringing others together for a greater cause.
“It really feels so good inside to know that there are people out there who care,” said Smith.
Smith hopes one day she can get a repurposed school bus so the Giving Closet Project can be a mobile unit that she can take into low-income neighborhoods.
If you’d like to leave items to be given to disadvantaged children, there are yellow bins outside the building. Also, Smith is looking for people who are willing to volunteer to help out her cause.