Roanoke City Public Schools Host Breakfast With Santa

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Breakfast with Santa has become a holiday tradition for the City of Roanoke Public Schools (RCPS).

RCPS and the STAR Council hosted the drive-thru event.

This annual event raises funds for the RCPS Homelessness Fund, which supports students experiencing homelessness.

Leaders say it’s a way to show how united the community is.

“It just reminds us that we are all one community, even though some of us have more than others. It helps us give more hope to young people, especially if they are going through difficult times. It just reminds us, especially in times like this and COVID, that we’re still together and still want the same, ”said Amirah Alterman, a high school student.

“We are a community, we help each other. We support each other. And an event like this is a demonstration of that kind of support, ”said Verletta White, Director of Public Schools for the City of Roanoke.

They have raised around $ 10,000 so far this year.

New this year, the event featured a large art exhibit depicting the number of students currently experiencing homelessness.

386 panels were painted by people from all over the community.

The project was led by Jane Gabrielle McCadden of One World Arts.

RCPS has identified 386 students experiencing homelessness so far this school year. Since the fund’s inception in March 2016, RCPS has provided $ 43,483.86 to help 288 families, which has reached 625 students. Community members can learn more and make monetary and material donations by visiting bit.ly/RCPSHomelessSupport.

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