St. Cloud donates $50K for displaced Puerto Rican students in Osceola County

ST. CLOUD, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The Osceola County School Board received a big fat check from the City of St. Cloud, to help Puerto Rican students in need.

Six-year-old Joliel moved here with her family three weeks ago, after Hurricane Maria damaged her home in Puerto Rico.  She now goes to school at Flora Ridge Elementary owning only three pencils.

"It's been really good," says her aunt, Kimberly Velec.  "She's learning a lot, but with the supplies and stuff it's been really hard."

And she's not the only student struggling. The district says 1,500 students from Puerto Rico transferred to Osceola County.

"The kids need uniforms, and they need school supplies. Many of them are coming without those basic necessities that they need just to function in the school," explains Mayor Nathan.Blackwell.

Blackwell presented a check for $50,000 from the City of St. Cloud to help students in Osceola County who are displaced by the hurricane.

"Partner with them to make a difference because they have a huge challenge with all the students coming in, plus the ones already there."

He says the need gets bigger every day.

"The number continues to grow every day and they're estimating it could go up to 60,000 to 100,000 coming into Central Florida."

Joliel's mother, Cirelis, is relieved her daughter enjoys her new school.

"It's amazing!" she says.

Amazing, that this child adjusted to her new school after losing so much in Puerto Rico.

Kimberly says, "They gave her some supplies but it's not enough. They still need some stuff."

Mayor Blackwell says anyone who wants to help the students should contact the Osceola County School district and say it's for hurricane relief.