Pennsylvania

‘Secret Santas' Pay Off Meal Accounts at Elementary Schools

'Tis the season for giving. Secret Santas are helping those in need.

The outstanding meal balances at H.W. Good Elementary school in western Pennsylvania and Stubbs Elementary school in Wilmington, Delaware were paid off by anonymous donors.

Amy Larcinese, principal at H.W. Good Elementary School in Herminie, Pennsylvania, tells KDKA-TV that some students can't afford to keep their cafeteria accounts up to date for the two meals they receive in school each day.

An anonymous donor showed up Wednesday and asked to settle all unpaid accounts, and also paid for the lunches for one child for the rest of the month after learning that pupil had an especially large account balance. The donation was able to help 44 students in the school.

The principal says the donor used to have a child in the school and "just wanted to give back to the district."

As for his identity, Larcinese says she's sworn to secrecy.

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As for the Secret Santa in Wilmington, Delaware, "Our school community was thrilled to learn about this act of generosity," said Jeffers Brown, principal of Stubbs Elementary, in a news release.

The anonymous donor paid off the $1,283.07 balance by sending a check to the District's Child Nutrition Services Department on behalf of Stubbs.

"We have families that struggle to pay their bills during the holidays, and this incredible gift provides welcome relief to many of our parents," Brown said. "Knowing their children's outstanding meal balance has been paid will make the season a lot brighter for them.

"Whoever the anonymous donor or group of donors was, our students and families thank them sincerely for this donation," Brown said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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