9-Year-Old Uses Saved Allowance To Pay Off 3rd Grade Classmate's Lunch Debt
By FoxIsHere
Ryan, a 3rd grader at West Park Elementary School in Irvine, California, got the idea to help others out after hearing a story about a student who couldn’t afford a school lunch because their account balance was low.
“I felt bad for all the kids that didn’t have any lunch,” Ryan told Napa Valley Register. “It’s not fair.”
The nine-year-old wanted to make sure the same thing didn’t happen at his elementary school so he asked his mom, Kylie Kirkpatrick, if she could find out how much money his classmates owed.
Kylie thought it was a “cool idea” and emailed the school district to inquire about any amount that was still owed.
The Napa Valley Unified School District informed her that the third grade students at West Park Elementary School owed $74.80.
“So I took that email and came to Ryan and said, ‘What do you want to do,’ and he said, ‘I guess I can pay for it.’ I said, ‘are you sure?’ And he said, ‘yes.'”
Ryan used his allowance money, which he typically uses to purchase sports gear, and delivered it to the school district.
“This was a very considerate and special donation and the district applauds the efforts of the student who has shown compassion to his school and fellow classmates,” Stacy Rollo, a NVUSD spokesperson said.
“I want them to realize people actually think about them because you’re not just bragging about stuff,” Ryan said. “I want them to feel happy someone cares about them.”
California law actually prevents students from being unable to receive a hot meal if they can’t afford it, according to Napa Valley Register. Students at NVUSD elementary schools pay for their meals based on their income, and if they can’t pay they are still given a meal.
After the school year, if parents don’t pay a students’ food service balance, the school district absorbs it.
Featured image source / facebook image credit: Kylie Kirkpatrick
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