Principal helps provide nearly 3,000 totes for foster kids
April 2, 2022 - When Child Protective Investigators (CPI) remove children from unsafe environments, the kids often carry their personal belongings in trash bags. When a foster child and student at his school relayed that news to Mt. Vernon Elementary School Principal Robert Ovalle, he decided to make a difference. Ovalle created the Tiny Totes program to help provide kids in foster care with dignity. He spent the last year raising money to buy reusable bags that CPI can give to relocated children. According to the release, the bags are lightweight, come in bright colors and fit easily in patrol cars. With the support of Pinellas County Schools (PCS) Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego and community generosity, Ovalle raised over $10,000 – enough for 2,880 “tiny totes.” The Mike Alstott Foundation, St. Petersburg Police Department, Florida State Graphics and the Town of Belleair also contributed to the program.