Fundraiser aims to eliminate Grafton school lunch debt

Maria Adamo had an idea: with Thanksgiving and food on people’s minds, why not start off the season of giving by paying off the Grafton Public Schools’ lunch debt?

She started a Facebook fundraiser Wednesday, with the intent of raising $1,000. She thought that amount might take a few days.

It took a little more than an hour.

The fundraising goal was inched up to $2,500. By 5 p.m., that total was demolished and the goal was set to $5,000.

The fundraiser, as of 5:29 p.m. on Thursday, is now at more than $5,000. Grafton’s current negative lunch balance? Around $8,000, with an additional $2,000 owed in other fees.

There are still 42 days left in the fundraiser.

“The intention of this fund, Grafton Public School’s Helping Hands, is to make sure students don’t go hungry during the school day,” she wrote. “One hot lunch is $2.85. Forgo one day of your drive-thru coffee or a small toy and help feed one of our own. This holiday, let’s help out the kids/families in our community who need it most!

The Helping Hands Fund accepts donations to support students who either don’t qualify for free or reduced lunch or need short-term assistance while they are applying.

Donations remain open on the Facebook fundraiser.

To donate via Venmo or Paypal,do so to: @Maria-Adamo or mariapadamo@gmail.com and we will make sure the funds are deposited into the fund.

If you’d like to write a check please make it out to: Grafton Public Schools, Attn: Daniel Gale, 30 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA 01519.