The power of social media means schools in Forsyth County might find their past due lunch accounts paid in full.
Andrea Elzey posted the meal charge policy from the school district's website Monday evening and asked if others in the community group would help pay off delinquent accounts.
"Within two hours," Elzey said. "My phone would not stop. We had hundreds of comments, tons and tons of people. Anywhere from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars. People just asking how they could help.
She said people began taking action within a few hours.
"We have two schools paid off already," added Elzey. "Silver City Elementary was $254.71, that was paid off by one lady. Then I have a woman named Jennifer, she paid off Brandywine Elementary. I want to say that was about $98."
Elzey said her post did receive one criticism from someone but she knows first-hand what's it like to have a good job, but still not make enough to make ends meet - what some people call the wage gap.
"There were times that I was a few dollars over the income limit for my children to get reduced lunch. Or this or that." Elzey said. "I think it is individual between everyone."
She said she's not taking money directly, but given the high amount of pledges, she believes every county school's overdue fees will be paid in full very soon.
"Within a week we can have Forsyth County paid," she said. "Then we can rollover into Dawson County."
Elzey said her friend in Texas, who also led a similar movement, inspired her to spearhead the initiative here.
*Note: As of Wednesday morning, 11 of the schools in the Forsyth County School District had their delinquent lunch accounts cleared by donations from the community.
AccessWDUN's Scott Kimbler contributed to this story
