The final Feel Good Story to wrap up 2018 is one very dear to Jai’s heart.

This one comes from her home state of Ohio . . .

Deb Keller is a teacher who started off this school year as a special needs teacher for kids who have emotional disorders — meaning they struggle with how to process emotions, like being happy, sad, mad, etc. — with each student working on an individual education plan/iep.

Recently, Deb was pulled into a meeting to discuss one young man who had been acting out beyond belief. During the meeting, it was revealed that this student and his family had fallen on tough times and were often hungry.

Deb says, “To me, if you’re hungry, you’re more worried about where your next meal will come from than you are about learning.”

That’s why Deb started a Food “Store” for her students. Kids earn school bucks and can “buy” food for themselves and their families. Students can earn these school bucks in various ways: by helping other students or a teacher, working hard, and they’ll find additional ways to help students whose families really need support to get more school bucks.

The school also sponsors a Jeans Day, which costs $1 for each staff member, so they can buy 3 Thanksgiving meals for students in need.

During the winter break, they were able to send at least one meal home with every student.

“I can’t imagine not having food. We’ve all been in a rough spot here or there, but the weight of not being able to eat is something no student should have to carry,” the kind-hearted teacher shares.