JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville high school junior is proving leadership goes far beyond the football field and he is using his platform to lift up local kids - especially as we head into the holiday season.
Jameson Grant is a junior at Paxon School for Advanced Studies, a varsity defensive lineman, a Life Scout with Scouting America, and a Jacksonville Omega Lamplighter. But beyond the titles, he’s a young man already focused on giving back. Grant, who hopes to study biology and one day become a chiropractor or physical therapist, has logged more than 150 hours of community service. His latest project might be his most meaningful yet.
After seeing a Facebook post from the Children’s Home Society asking for brand-new socks and shoes, Grant jumped into action. He teamed up with two boys from his Life Scout Troop 522 to launch a sock and shoe drive. The goal: help kids feel confident, cared for, and ready for the holidays. Donations poured in from the Paxon PTSA and members of his church, St. Pius. Grant delivered the results - 450 pairs of socks and 22 pairs of new shoes - to students at Matthew Gilbert Middle School, one of the campuses the Children’s Home Society supports. Grant says helping kids who may not have the same support system is what drives him.
“If someone doesn’t have any parents or is not as fortunate and they have less resources than the average person, I’m willing to give… because I want to make sure they have an equal shot in life,” Grant said.
And with the holidays approaching, he hopes this small gesture makes a big impact.
“The holidays are coming up and the kids will be surprised and happy… it would create a fun environment for them to be in,” Grant said.
Grant says seeing the smiles makes it all worth it.
“It makes me feel very wholesome to see the smiles on their faces,” Grant said. “It is very comforting.”
And he wants this to be just the beginning.
“I want to be the person that inspires others to do good,” Grant said.
Grant plans to continue the sock and shoe drive in the future - hoping more students and families will join in to help Jacksonville kids feel supported all year long.