BATTLE GROUND, Wash. — An anonymous donor gave $40,000 to the Battle Ground Public Schools to pay off any outstanding lunch debts.
The money was gifted to the school district through the Morgan Stanley Gift Fund. The remaining balance of nearly $800 will be covered by the Battle Ground Education Foundation, allowing for all students to come back to school, which is slated to happen on April 24, without the burden of lunch debt.
The donations do not cover debts that have already been sent to collection, according to a release. Any debt of $100 or more is sent to collections twice a year, according to the school district.
The Battle Ground Education Foundation has been paying students’ lunch debts for years through its 'Kids in Need' campaign.
“I was thrilled because it’s one less thing for our families to have to worry about right now,” President Colleen O’Neal said. “The more we can take off their plates, the better.”
Battle Ground Public Schools said in a release that the $40,000 donation is “exceptionally generous.”
“This is huge, and is really going to be helpful right now,” said Meagan Hayden, Chief Financial Officer for Battle Ground Public Schools. “Especially at this time when a lot of parents are probably wondering how they’re going to pay their next mortgage or utilities, or are having to temporarily shut down their businesses.”
