Cobleskill-Richmondville students who can’t afford lunch have a friend in Jessica Lawton.
And she’s a good friend to C-R, too.
Last year Ms. Lawton raised money in a short fundraising campaign to pay off students’ cafeteria debts.
C-R doesn’t allow kids to go hungry and serves them lunch even if they can’t pay. But the school district absorbs the cost if families can’t pay by the end of the school year.
Ms. Lawton’s campaign last year was such a success, she’s doing it again by seeking donations from the community.
She’s pleased that C-R feeds students who can’t pay but feels the district should get help.
“It’s nice to be in a community where kids don’t go hungry in school,” Ms. Lawton said. “But the more we pay off, the more money goes to the classroom.”
As Ms. Lawton did last year, she’s connected with Becky Dostie, guidance counselor at Ryder School.
The fund drive last year raised more than $600, enough to pay off Ryder students’ debt with the remainder going to pay down debt at C-R’s other three schools.
“Last year it was such a wonderful surprise for us,” Ms. Dostie said. “Basically, the whole district benefited.”
School board President Bruce Tryon agreed.
“The district and families are greatly appreciative of the donation Jessica will so generously provide again this year,” he said.
“It helps those in the community who need it most, and we cannot thank her enough.”
The need is greater this year, Ms. Dostie added, with more students on the debt list.
Ms. Lawton has a fundraising deadline of December 19 so that C-R has time to notify families that they’re cafeteria-debt-free.
To donate, visit Ms. Lawton’s School Lunches for Christmas page on the GoFundMe site. She also has drop buckets at J.T’s Cycles in Cobleskill and Ronnie’s Harley-Davidson in Guilderland.
Anyone with questions or seeking more information can call or text Ms. Lawton at 518-229-0208.