Louisville teacher raises $7K for food for students

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) — Some kids on free lunch programs face difficulty over school breaks.

Their families might struggle to feed them.

A fifth-grade teacher in Louisville is taking on that problem.

Michael Epperson is a math teacher at Rutherford Elementary.

At Rutherford, more than 80 percent of students are on free or reduced lunch.

So to make sure his students have enough to eat over the holiday break, Epperson took to social media.

“Made a post just kind of explaining our situation at Rutherford and just asked for any and all donations. And everyone started sharing it and spreading the news, and we’ve just been getting donations left and right,” said Epperson.

Friends, and even strangers, commented saying they wanted to help.

And Epperson says, before he knew it, he had more than $7,000 in donations.

“It really shows that everybody cares about these kids, not just people at the school, but, you know, everybody around,” he added.

Epperson and the staff at Rutherford bought enough food for all 445 students and their families, including chicken and fish … Vegetables, fruits and snacks.

They also purchased household items … And even board games.

Families have been coming to pick up their care packages for the past several days.

“It’s actually something that I really needed, and I really appreciate it,” said Marylin Katan, mother of students.

Katan has six children, three of whom attend Rutherford.

Without this generous donation, she was going to have to take her kids to a local church for meals over the break — but now they can enjoy holiday meals at home.

“I say thank you. It’s like my Christmas miracle. I appreciate it,” said Katan.

“It makes me feel accomplished. Makes me feel like I’m actually making a slight difference in these kids’ lives,” said Epperson.

Donations will be accepted through Dec. 22.