Springdale Public Schools students raised $5,585 on April 2 in support of their peers who face homelessness through the first-ever Hearts for Homelessness awareness campaign and fundraiser event.
“I think the event went well,” said Reina Hart, Families in Transition liaison and Monitor Elementary School social worker.
“We had some Springdale staff and community members come out to learn more about the Families in Transition program.”
Springdale Schools and Sam’s Furniture partnered for the event, which was featured at the Sam’s Furniture at 4326 Hidden Creek Lane in Springdale. Sam's Furniture matched all event monetary donations.
“Our students did a great job representing Springdale Schools and really were passionate about supporting their classmates and other Springdale students who are currently in transition,” Hart said.
Twenty-three students from Don Tyson School of Innovation and Har-Ber and Springdale high schools participated in the event, according to Hart.
Supporting students in grades 9-12 are participants in various school activities, including the National Honor Society, student council, Health Occupations Students of America, school ambassador programs, the Senior Council and band.
“While Springdale is a recipient of the McKinney-Vento Grant, which helps us meet some needs of students, the money raised at Hearts for Homelessness will be utilized to meet the needs of students on things we cannot purchase through the grant,” Hart said.
Items such as beds, bedding, small appliances, hotel rooms and deposit and rental assistance aren’t funded through the grant, she said.
Hart said the district would like to feature more FIT program awareness and fundraising events in the future.
“We do not have a date yet for our next event, but I envision having at least one event each school year,” she said.
Donations in support of the 897 Springdale Families in Transition Program students experiencing homelessness are still being accepted.
Online donations may be made online at https://bit.ly/3SAmBDB and typing “Hearts for Homelessness” in the description box.
Donations may also be mailed to: “Springdale Public Schools, ATTENTION: Hearts for Homelessness, 804 West Johnson Ave., Springdale, AR 72765.”
"Springdale's FIT program is so thankful to Joe and Larra Donaldson and Sam's Furniture for their partnership on our Hearts for Homelessness event," Hart said.