DEAR ABBY: My neighbor's children were walking home from school last month when I saw that they had dropped some papers. When I returned them to the kids, I noticed they were behind on their school lunch bill. The oldest child mentioned, "I hope Mom can pay or we'll have to eat cheese sandwiches." I was beyond angry! Their father is doing his second tour in Afghanistan, and their mother is doing her best to make ends meet.
I took my fury to the school and discovered the kids didn't qualify for free lunches because their parents were just a couple of dollars over the limit. What a disgraceful way to treat the family of a soldier! I had money set aside for Christmas and decided to pay for those children's lunches for the rest of the year. It wasn't cheap -- $2 per lunch for three kids -- but it was worth it.
Abby, please let your readers know that if anyone can afford even a few dollars, to inquire at their local school if there is a soldier's child -- or any child -- who needs a free lunch. Our soldiers shouldn't have to worry about their kids going hungry in school.
P.S. My neighbors do not know about my donation. -- LENDING A HAND IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR LENDING A HAND: You are an angel. One would think that children of active members of the military would get a better break, but if your letter is any indication, it appears that isn't the case.
Readers, if you have a few dollars to spare, consider contacting your local school(s) and asking if they have a program to accommodate children from families whose income may be "just over the line." Privacy rules may prevent the identities of the children from being disclosed, but the money could be put into a fund for this purpose.