THORNDIKE — It was a great day for a field trip to warm some hearts in Waldo County as Pay It Forward for Kids, Inc. completed another of many planned future endeavors by paying off school lunch balances at Mount View School in Thorndike.

The organization’s president and founder, Jen Wenz, presented a check for $500 to Tina Fabian, school nutrition director of RSU 3.

“The generosity of the local community is shining through via auction item donations for the online auction, the public bidding on auction items, and people spreading the word,” said Wenz, in a news release. “The children of Waldo County need to get the nutritious meals they deserve so that they are able to flourish and learn without the concern and shame of going without for any number of reasons due to inability to pay.”

Pay It Forward for Kids is a nonprofit whose purpose is to allow children to thrive, grow, and focus on learning without the stress or shame that can come with being denied lunch, or receiving a substitute lunch. Proceeds benefit children in Waldo County, primarily by paying off outstanding lunch balances in the school programs, but also by working to gather school supplies, distribute backpacks, and help schools and children purchase items that will enhance children’s and teachers’ ability to thrive.

In addition to helping with food and academic supports, they also reach out in times of emergency need if they are able. They are working to assist local families in need, including some families that lost their home due to a fire, answered a call for over 100 local children who are in need of warm hats, mittens and scarves, and helping some families who requested assistance with a Christmas gift for children, all of which are possible thanks to the generosity of many donations from the Waldo County community at large.

In addition to Wenz, board members Regina Quattrucci, Pam Schultz, Davine Bussell, Tammi Short, Amy Mehuren and Susan Totman comprise the small group of local citizens dedicated to helping people in their own backyard, while there are also many others in the community who contribute by donating items to or purchasing from the online auction. All auction items are donated and proceeds are disbursed locally.

Additional details and information can be found on the group’s facebook page, the website, via email piffkwaldo@gmail.com or by phone: Jen Wenz, 548-4187.