All DCPS student lunch debt paid off thanks to donation from Pleasant Valley

December 15, 2022 | 12:11 am

Updated December 14, 2022 | 11:14 pm

All current student lunch debt at Daviess County Public Schools has been paid off, thanks to a donation from Pleasant Valley Community Church. The donation covered nearly $4,500 owed for lunch charges by more than 550 students in grades K-12.

Members of Pleasant Valley presented a check Wednesday afternoon to DCPS Food Service Director Connie Beth Fillman. 

Fillman said the district was thankful for the donation, especially in the midst of the holiday season. She added that for the last two school years, due to emergency action at the state level, DCPS was able to provide free meals to all students. However, that’s not the case this year. 

“We’ve been trying to remind parents that they have to fill out forms because the children don’t automatically get those free meals,” Fillman said. “So we’ve had a lot more school debt with our meals than normal. It’s really, really helpful and hopefully it takes a little burden off and eases their stress during the holidays.”

Hilary Patterson, Pleasant Valley Director of Mercy Ministries, said they were happy to be able to help children and families in need. The funds came from the Next Spirit-led initiative that the church launched publicly about six weeks ago. 

“We just felt led to bless the school system. We’ve wanted to do this for a little while now,” Patterson said.

Jamus Edwards, Pleasant Valley Lead Pastor, also said they were honored to be able to bless others, especially at this time of year. 

“We love children because Jesus loves children, and we want all the children in Owensboro to know that they are loved and cared for deeply,” Edwards said. “If this is a small way we can show the love of Jesus and the holiday season, that’s what we want to do, and it’s our great joy.”

Pleasant Valley has written letters to send to the families to make them aware the lunch debt has been paid off. DCPS also plans to send out communication to families later this week.

December 15, 2022 | 12:11 am

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