Jones Elementary students raise money, produce toiletry bags for homeless

When “I Was Homeless” authors shared the story of homeless child Kevin Liu, fourth- and fifth-grade students at Jones Elementary were moved. Moved to raise money to buy toiletries for those in need.

The students gathered funds and sought donations from local retailers and businesses, which enabled them to produce more than 400 toiletry bags with travel size items, including toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, tissue, protein bar, hand sanitizer, hand lotion and bottled water.

Students shopped for the items at Vons and Costco, then assembled the bags with the help of staff, parents and community partners. Vons donated $225 to the school while local dentists donated toothbrushes and toothpaste.

“We could not have done this without the support of our Jones School families on our Fundraising Fridays,” said Principal Rita Powell.

Pastor Louie from the Serra Mesa Community Church, one of the school’s partners, and his wife, Ms. Yvonne, helped to distribute the bags to those in need.

The exercise not only taught the students about math and money while shopping, but about providing service and giving back to those less fortunate.

For more information on the school’s efforts, contact Principal Powell at 858-496-8140.