As of Nov. 5, 2024, the SPS Homeless Education And Resource Team (HEART) program has identified 1,222 students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. That’s a nearly 28% increase from this time last year.
Of these students, 277 have been designated as unaccompanied youth, meaning they’re on their own, without a legal parent or guardian. These are students across all grade levels—K-12—who may be staying in a shelter, in a vehicle, or informally with a friend or relative.
For a decade, HEART has collected gift cards to benefit these students prior to Winter Break. Many unaccompanied youth are not eligible to receive support from charitable programs because of their age or because the resources cannot be accessed without a custodial adult.
Gift cards allow these students to purchase items of their choice, and HEART staff can match students with cards most relevant to their needs and interests to provide them with extra support and care over the break.
HEART staff often see a need for “big box store” gift cards that students can use to buy essentials like food, clothes, and toiletries, as well as fun items like toys, media, and personal items. Students also appreciate receiving small amount gift cards for casual restaurants and coffee shops so they can socialize with friends.
We often hear stories about students using gift cards to buy gifts for younger siblings.
We invite you to join us in supporting students by donating a gift card in any amount between Nov. 19 and Dec. 10, 2024.
Here’s how:
Drop off or mail gift cards to the SPS administration building (200 N. Bernard St., Spokane WA, 99201, c/o Communications Dept).
Bring a gift card to your neighborhood SPS school office.
Donate online to the HEART Trust (“select HEART Program Donations”).
Share this information about the HEART Gift Card Drive with your community!
Donations are gratefully accepted year-round, but donating by Dec. 10 allows time for staff to inventory donations and connect students with cards before Winter Break.
To learn how you can get involved and support our students, please send a message through Let’s Talk.