Many county students are beginning their winter break debt free.
This week, Settle the Debt paid off the school lunch debt at 23 schools.
Based out of Gainesville, Settle the Debt supports students who can’t afford school lunches.
“We raise money from the community and then we turn around and put it right back into the schools, and pay off the lunch debt of kids whose families are in need,” Founder Adelle Settle explained.
The non-profit has been raising funds this holiday season.
In three weeks, it collected more than $40,000, exceeding its $30,000 goal.
Vaughan Elementary School in Woodbridge was among the schools that benefited from the fundraiser. It received more than $1,000 from a Woodbridge donor.
Since it was established in 2017, Settle the Debt — which began as a campaign — has raised $90,000 for students at Prince William County schools.
The organization, however, is just getting started.
“Our hope is that, eventually, we will be able to raise enough money to take care of the Prince William County school debt entirely, and at the end of every school year, it’s over $300,000,” Settle said.
Settle the Debt is hosting a gala on April 18, and seeks to raise more than $100,000.
It’s seeking corporate sponsors and is looking to partner with area businesses and families.
Anyone who would like to learn more about Settle the Debt or make a donation by visiting the non-profit’s website, liking its Facebook page, or following it on Twitter or Instagram.
