Florida News – Line Article

Student homelessness has doubled in the past 10 years and former teacher Jennifer (Smith) Finnegan is helping many students feel more loved and comfortable in the classroom.

A major problem reported by Northeast Florida schools is a dysfunctional or forgotten lost and found system to serve its students. Personal belongings are lost daily and the majority of schools do not have the capacity to face the growing piles of clothing and supplies. Smith felt that these lost items could be utilized to meet the needs of students living in situational poverty. The Giving Closet Project was developed out of the desire to help schools revitalize their lost and found areas into successful donation centers for students in need throughout the community.