“Angel Wings” provides gift cards to homeless, transient students

DeKalb State Court Judge Ron Ramsey coordinated the third annual “Angel Wings” initiative this year to provide $50 gift cards for 30 homeless and transient students and their families. McDonald’s franchise owners John and Shiroleen Hurt again collaborated with Judge Ramsey to provide the gift cards. The Hurts, who own 17 McDonalds, DeKalb and other metro Atlanta counties, supported the same effort last year, assisting 25 homeless students with $50 gift cards.

Judge Ramsey said he hopes that the effort will continue to grow each year and is very grateful to his friends, the Hurts, who share his heart for the community. As the former Chief Legal Officer for the school district, Ramsey said he fully understands the needs of students and their families who struggle with economic stability and often live in extended stay, or other transitional housing. He added that it is our collective responsibility to lift up other members of community in need, especially our youths who with help and support can choose the right path and be productive and positive citizens and future leaders, instead of choosing a path of lawlessness.

School Board member Vickie Turner annually coordinates efforts to target students in need with various principals.  This year, Fairington Elementary School, where Dr. Walter Burke, Jr. is the principal, was the target school. This is Turner’s third year supporting the project as well, along with the blessings and support of Superintendent Dr. Stephen Green.

Judge Ramsey said that he is grateful for the collaboration that is being cultivated with parties involved in this initiative. He quoted one of the long held tenets of the school district: “The school cannot live apart from the community.”