Boone Elks Lodge No. 2884 recently presented the Boone County School District with a check for $6,000 to be used for students in need of regular meal assistance or a holiday meal.

Julie Trepa, School District Superintendent, was thrilled with the donation. “Amazing, is what this donation is. When Bonnie called to ask about making the presentation, I was completely surprised but this is a big surprise,” exclaimed Trepa.

Trepa went on to explain that the school district doesn’t normally get this large of a donation. Trepa said, “I’ve worked for four different districts and we’ve never received a donation this large.”

Paulette Newbold, Director of Business Services, explained the board policy regarding how the donations are used. “Donations are first applied to those with negative accounts that qualify for free meals. Then the donation is applied to those that qualify for reduced meals and finally donations are applied to anyone who does not qualify for free or reduced but is still struggling.”

According to Trepa, “the school district finds that the families that get overlooked are the ones that are right on the bubble where they don’t qualify but trying to feed their children is a real hardship.”

Exalted Ruler for Boone Lodge No. 2884, Scott Safly said, “I’m grateful to our members who make grants like these possible. We applied through our national Elks Association and were awarded the grant based on need in the community and member contributions.”

Boone Lodge Secretary and Grant Coordinator Bonnie Barnett said, “the donation is part of the Beacon and Spotlight grants. We were fortunate to be able to apply for and be awarded these two grants.”

Trepa and Newbold both agreed this $6,000 donation would have a huge impact on the school district.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Boone Elks Lodge and helping the community, call Scott at 515-230-5203.