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'My kids would have never had Christmas': JCPS gives presents to hundreds of homeless students

More than 3,000 JCPS students identified as homeless last school year.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools brought the holiday spirit to students who are considered homeless.

On Wednesday, more than 300 students received gifts at the JCPS Shawnee Satellite Office.

The Diversity, Equity and Poverty Department's "Adopt-a-Family" program matches students with sponsors who shop for gifts for the kids.

Newly-elected Metro Council Member Shameka Parrish-Wright shared with families her own story of homelessness from when she first moved to Louisville and how programs like this helped her.

"I wanted them to know my story so that they can see themselves past this moment because it is intimidating as a parent to have to receive these kind of services," Parrish-Wright said. "But you know, you need it. My kids would have never had Christmas, they would have never had toys, if it wasn't for a program like access and opportunity."

JCPS had more than 3,000 students identify as homeless last school year.

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