LAYTON -- Although many people believe that homelessness is not a problem in Davis County, there are at least 1,400 school children in the Davis School District who will disagree. According to the district, there are 1,400 children in the district who are considered to be homeless, and the number could be higher. "That's just how many we have enrolled in our program," Davis School District Make a Difference Day Project Coor-dinator Steve Mullins said. "Not everyone is enrolled." In order to help the children, the school district is taking part in the 15th annual Make A Difference Day national day of service.

The Davis School District Homeless Program has partnered with Lowe's Home Improvement in Layton and Weber State University students to collect items for needy children from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.22.

The school district will set up its collection area in the Lowe's parking lot at 1055 W. Antelope Dr.

The school is asking for donations of new toys, new underwear, new socks, shoes and winter boots for kids of both genders and all ages.

Mullins said he hopes Davis County residents realize that homelessness is a problem in the county that really does exist.

While a representative from the governor's office said that homelessness is not a problem in Davis Count, "That's just not true," Mullins said.

Students in several different situations can be considered homeless.

Some students are homeless because of a job loss by a parent, others are homeless because of abuse. Children who live in small apartments with several families are also considered homeless as are children who live in sheds, abandoned buildings and cars, Mullins said.

Mullins also said there are 22 students within the district that were relocated there after they lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina.

The first time the district participated in Make A Difference Day two years ago, it collected more than $9,000 worth of items. Mullins said the district hopes to do even better this year.

The group will accept monetary donations all year round. Checks should be made out to Davis School District Homeless Program.

All items are tax de-ductible. All items collected and money received will go to homeless families.

Mullins said he hopes the project will raise awareness and improve the lives of children in need.

"Homelessness really is a problem in Davis County," he said. "And we can make a difference."



cphares@davisclipper.com