Anonymous donor gives $120 grocery gift cards to nearly 2,000 students in KY district

An anonymous donor is giving $120 grocery store gift cards to each preschool through eighth grade student in a small Kentucky school district where nearly 78% of students are economically disadvantaged.

The donor is providing $120 gift cards to Save-A-Lot Food Stores for about 1,800 preschool through eighth grade students in Bell County Schools, Superintendent Tom Gambrel said in a message to families Wednesday.

“We are very appreciative of the donor and Save the Children Foundation for making this possible for our students. With high grocery prices, this is an excellent way to assist our families in meeting food needs during the Christmas holiday,” Gambrel said.

“Some families with four children will get $480,” Gambrel told the Herald-Leader.

According to Kentucky Department of Education online data, 77.9% of the district’s 2,374 students are economically disadvantaged.

Gambrel’s afternoon announcement led to more than 100 comments on Facebook by Wednesday night, most from people thanking the anonymous donor.

Holly Hammontree, the attendance clerk at Frakes School Center, said students who have two working parents like her own three children, and those don’t, are both benefiting from the donation.

“It’s a blessing to all of us,” she said. “It’s major to us.”

Gambrel said the district will distribute the gift cards beginning Monday, December 19.

“The winter break from school can be one of the hungriest times of the year for kids who rely on school meals, putting their well-being at risk,” said Alissa Taylor, Save the Children’s Kentucky State Director. “Many families in Bell and Harlan counties are struggling to put food on the table every day, and Save the Children is tremendously grateful for its partnerships that are helping area families access nourishing food during the break– the fuel they need to grow, learn and thrive.”