Texas second grader uses allowance to make goodie bags for the homeless

"She's the one in the family that pushes us," her mother Debbie said.

by Christianna Barbosa | Jan. 22, 2024

Story at a glance

Davenee Jaramillo, a second grader in Levelland, Texas, came up with the idea to distribute goodie bags to people in need.

The second grader also wanted to use her allowance money to fund the effort.

With overwhelming support from family and friends, Davenee and a group of people filled 100 bags with more than 20 items, including hygiene products, snacks, first aid kits, and blankets.

LEVELLAND, Texas (KLBK) — A young Texas girl used her hard-earned money to help the homeless in her community during the winter weather.

Davenee Jaramillo, a second grader in Levelland, is known for her giving heart, her mother Debbie told Nexstar’s KLBK.

“She’s the one in the family that pushes us,” Debbie said.

After the holidays, Debbie said her daughter came up with the idea to distribute goodie bags to people in need. The second grader also wanted to use her allowance money to fund the effort.

“She told me, ‘I’m gonna make 100,'” Debbie said. “My eyes got big, but I was like, ‘Let’s do it.'”

Realizing she couldn’t make 100 bags on her own, Davenee created a video asking friends and family for help. With overwhelming support, she and a group of people filled 100 bags with more than 20 items, including hygiene products, snacks, first aid kits, and blankets.

The family had some bags left over, so they distributed the rest at St. Benedict’s Chapel, a church that was preparing to feed an estimated 200 people.

Davenee delivered the bags to multiple locations on Sunday, Jan. 14, including Grace Campus, a church that provides temporary shelter for homeless individuals in Lubbock.

“Now, my sweet baby girl wants to serve meals, too,” Debbie said.

Davenee is already thinking ahead and planning to make summer goodie bags. Despite being a shy girl, she was talkative on Sunday, making friends and being in her element, her mother said.

When asked why she wanted to do this, Davenee replied, “I think God would want us to. Everybody needs a little help sometimes.”

Though Davenee didn’t want the spotlight, Debbie wanted to share her daughter’s story on social media. The Levelland community took notice and was touched by her act of kindness.

“I was proud of my little girl,” Debbie said. “She’s teaching my family.”