Mama Duck, a recently established non-profit organization, has successfully accomplished its initial objective of eliminating student lunch debt for all five campuses within the Taylor Independent School District. Student lunch debt is a widespread concern that can result in students who are unable to afford lunch being stigmatized and cause stress and anxiety for their families. Mama Duck’s aim was to tackle this problem, and within just two days of launching their fundraising campaign, the organization successfully raised the required funds. The campaign’s goal was to collect the total amount owed by families in the Taylor ISD, which was $1,210.22. The Taylor community rallied behind Mama Duck’s fundraising campaign, with individuals, businesses, and organizations stepping up to support the non-profit in reaching its goal.
The success of Mama Duck’s fundraising campaign has brought hope and positivity to the Taylor community, demonstrating that even in challenging times, the community can unite to support those in need. The accomplishment of Mama Duck is a testament to the community’s kindness and empathy, and it is anticipated that this triumph will inspire others to contribute to local charities and organizations.
Desiree Grady, Kaitlin Olle and McKenzie Murray founded Mama Duck after volunteering at Taylor ISD and seeing some students’ financial struggles to participate in all school activities. The organization’s primary goal is to provide assistance to students in the district and ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent them from experiencing all aspects of school life.
“The outpouring of support that Mama Duck received from the Taylor community and the speed at which we were able to meet the needs of our local students has left me feeling extremely thankful,” said Desiree Grady, co-founder of the organization. “I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a town where people genuinely care for one another. It’s heartwarming to experience their kindness and generosity, and it reminds me of the goodness that exists in the world.”
One Taylor resident who donated to Mama Duck’s fundraising campaign, Tim Mikeska, shared a personal story about his experience as a student at Taylor ISD.
“Almost 50 years ago, when I was a student at TISD, my parents gave me extra money and told me to pay for any student’s lunch that may not be able to afford one,” said Mikeska, who graduated from Taylor High School in 1978. “Students should not have the stigma of having a lunch debt if they are unable to pay for a meal. It’s my honor to be able to help them.”
His sentiment echoes the community’s generosity and compassion towards the students in Taylor ISD.
The student lunch debt issue is a significant concern in the United States, with many families unable to afford to pay for their children’s meals. Mama Duck’s success in addressing this issue for Taylor ISD is a remarkable feat, highlighting the potential of local communities to come together and solve problems that affect their members. The success of Mama Duck’s fundraising campaign instills hope and optimism in the Taylor community, proving that with unity and kindness, anything is possible.
The name Mama Duck comes from the late Naomi Pasemann, who was a Taylor Duck alumn, teacher, counselor and had an elementary school in the district named after her.
