JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — What started off as a rough start to the school year for one duval county student has turned into a powerful show of support.

We told you last Tuesday about a 7th grader at Ribault middle school who said he was stopped from going to class because his shirt didn’t have the school logo.

Since that story aired, we have received emails and calls from people in the community wanting to help.

Rani Ferguson tells First Coast News she’s received three loads of donations from total strangers, gifting her family khakis, polos and jackets for her son and daughter to wear to school.

She and her son Ryan are now wanting to say thank you to everyone who has helped.

“It’s really nice,” said Ryan Ferguson. “I like that I’m finally getting some new stuff for the new school year. I only had one grey polo from sixth grade. It’s really nice.”

 A small act of kindness is making a big difference for 7th grader Ryan Ferguson.

Just last week, First Coast News spoke to Ryan and his grandmother, who told us Ryan wasn’t allowed into class at Jean Ribault middle school, all because his shirt didn’t have a school logo.

“It was kind of terrifying not being able to go inside school because I’m not wearing a polo shirt,” Ryan said.

Ryan’s mom, Rani got the call from her son.

“It was bad,” said Rani Ferguson, “I asked where he was and he said he was in the car line. I asked, ‘why are you not in the office?’ I didn’t know if he would’ve been left outside. I was trying to figure it out.”

After their story aired last Tuesday, the community stepped up fast.

Donations of khakis, polos and jackets started pouring in, not just for Ryan, but also his sister in high school.

“A lot of people have really helped and been really wonderful. I met some wonderful ladies, beautiful souls,” said Rani Ferguson.

“i would like to say thank you to all the people for trying to reach out and help us,” said Ryan Ferguson.

The school district says no student is denied entry over a dress code violation.

However, Ferguson said she received an apology from the district.

“The communication director reached out and apologized,” she said.

DCPS released this statement on their uniform policy:

The Duval County School Board’s position on school uniforms is outlined in the DCPS Code of Conduct. Individual schools, in collaboration with their School Advisory Council (SAC), can require uniforms.

Principals and school staff are keenly aware of community needs and are committed to working with families to address any challenges or hardships related to uniform expectations. Our goal is to work collaboratively with students and parents to ensure uniform compliance and find solutions with grace and compassion. We are also incredibly proud of the community organizations, volunteers, and parent groups who generously provide resources and uniforms to our students.

If you have any questions about the uniform policy at your student’s school, please contact the school’s front office or principal for guidance.

Rani Ferguson told First Coast News there are people still reaching out wanting to help her family. She said if she receives too many uniform donations, she’ll be sure to donate them to another family in need.