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Generous donation helping Chesterfield families during a time of need

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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Teachers at Providence Elementary School in Chesterfield County lined up outside Friday to help bring in donated school supplies.

"This will fill a huge need," said Sharon Rucker, Providence Elementary School Principal.

They carried boxes, they carried bags, each filled to meet the needs of the young students.

"Markers and pencils and notebooks and paper and colored pencils and crayons," said Rucker of the long list of donated supplies.

"It's really touching when people outside of the school, really think about our students and our schools and take the time to put in the effort to just to get things we really need," she explained.

Jennifer Gavin is the person behind the $3,000 donation of school supplies.

"With everything going on and people losing jobs, it's helped even more than it ever has," said Gavin.

Four years ago, Gavin started her photography business with a unique idea.

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Jennifer Gavin

Trade her skills behind the camera taking pictures of students, in return for a donation of school supplies.

"Twenty-five dollars' worth per child and then I take the pictures for free, don't get anything out of it, I just collect the school supplies and donate them," said Gavin.

Parents then get pictures for free.

The school gets a need filled by a generous donation.

"It's indescribable, every year have families reaching out to get help with supplies and we have lots of kids come in with no supplies or not many, so it's making a huge impact," said Providence Counselor Sarah Moomau.

"I think that even more families have reached out this year because of job loss and things like that, so I think this is even extra special this year," she added.