Missouri teen DeJuan ("DJ") Strickland was raised around generosity.
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“You know, I’ve always really liked giving. I started in church. Me and my mom, went around giving back. We stocked boxes of food and really felt passion for giving.”
When DJ found out that his former elementary school in Florissant, Missouri had many students who couldn’t pay their lunch debt, he decided to start a fundraiser.
DJ set an initial goal of $200 and ended up presenting a check for double that amount.
The teachers’ reaction?
“Oh, they were very grateful. At first, they didn’t really take it seriously. At the time, I was 14. But when they really, like really saw the check in person, they were really surprised. They really loved it.”
DJ’s faith is a big part of his life.
“I really believe that God’s just helped me out throughout my life.”
What made DJ decide to do this?
“Because kids need to eat.”