By DPM
During the first 2024 session of the Inglewood City Council, Mayor James Butts, Jr. expressed his gratitude towards some students at Inglewood Unified School District. Despite the holiday season being over and the southland experiencing a brisk winter, the warmth of the students’ appreciation brightened the halls.
The city donated $50 Target gift cards to economically disadvantaged youth in the district to bring some holiday cheer. In response, the students created a handmade booklet with pictures, handwritten notes, and inspired paintings to show appreciation.
Butts was deeply appreciative of the booklet and overtaken by emotions.
“The city is in a financial situation in which we could make sure that unhoused, foster, and socially disadvantaged youth in our school district somewhat of a Christmas,” said Butts.
“We gave out close to 1,500 $50 gift cards for Target. The cards could be used for toiletries, toys, hygiene, and clothing. And they sent this book to use. It definitely touched my heart,” added Butts.
With respect to the families’ privacy, the school district shared how much the students and their parents appreciated the city’s kind gesture.
“The City of Inglewood’s thoughtful donation of Target Gift Cards that were distributed to IUSD students this holiday season brought joy and cheer to our youth, giving them the opportunity to experience the spirit of the holidays in a special way,” said Dr. James Morris, Ed.D. County Administrator. The city’s “generosity has had a positive impact in the lives of our students,” he added.
IUSD Board President Dr. Carliss McGhee has a close relationship with many of the teachers and students in her district. She knows firsthand how the gift cards made a difference in these inflationary times.
“We are very grateful to Mayor Butts and the City Council for always looking out for our families during the holidays,” said Dr. McGhee. “ The families’ faces tell the story – gratitude and thankfulness,” she added.
Butts added that the city gave out $20,000 Champions Grants to 103 small businesses in Inglewood that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. This was an initiative created by the mayor and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal program.
