Yard sale fundraiser helps with school lunch debt

ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) — When a mother found out about school lunch debt at Chattanooga Valley Elementary, she decided to help.

Donations poured into Dead Girlz Tattoo and Piercing on Wednesday afternoon. It was for a yard sale organized by owner Elizabeth “Dollie” Martin.

“I decided to take it upon myself to gather up with the community and the local area to hold a fundraiser,” Martin said.

Proceeds from the yard sale will go towards covering school lunch debt.

“Literally every single dollar is going to be donated to the school’s funds to help pay off the student debts. So no child has to be punished. And every single student gets to participate in whatever end of the year fun activities,” Martin said.

This stems from a letter Martin’s six year old son brought home from Chattanooga Valley Elementary School.

“Basically, punish the students for their parents’ financial shortcomings, is how the letter explained it,” she said.

It was sent to all parents saying school lunch charges surpassed $3,000. The letter went on to say, students with no charges would be awarded an icee on Field Day. Martin expressed her frustration to the school’s principal.

“After speaking with Ms. Culberson about the issue about the letter, she did apologize. And she did express concern and sincere apologies that she was not going to punish the children for any reason,” Martin said.

Besides items for the yard sale, people also donated money.

“Since Chattanooga Valley is taken care of basically anything above and beyond that is going to other schools in the area. Walker and Catoosa County, mainly,” she said.

Martin says she is not doing this for recognition.

“Although, it has been overwhelming the amount of gratitude and appreciation the parents in the area are expressing.”

The yard sale will be at Dead Girlz Tattoo and Piercing in Rossville, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13. If you are interested in donating to help with school lunch debt, visit this Go Fund Me page.