Wausau Pilot & Review
Yauo Yang is a pastor who was born in a Thailand refugee camp and moved to Wausau in the 1980s with his family. The Wisconsin National Guard veteran has been active in serving the community for years. This time, he sprang into action after learning that families in both school districts are struggling to pay for student meals.
“In fact, between both the Wausau and D.C. Everest School Districts, there are over $20,000 in student lunch debt,” Yang wrote, on his fundraising page.
Yang said that he, too, grew up in poverty and understands how difficult it can be for families to feed their children.
April is “Global Pay It Forward Month,” a worldwide celebration of kindness that encourages people to engage in small acts of generosity that can lead to positive change. Yang said that message is central to his effort to pay off student lunch debt in both districts, with a $20,000 goal.
As of Monday, Yang has so far raised more than $16,000 through his GoFundMe page.
“I believe that it’s important for children to be able to go school and have a dignified meal provided for them so they can learn,” Yang wrote. “I believe that Central Wisconsin is a giving community and I believe that those students in our districts that have school lunch debt need our help and support more than ever in these difficult economic times. Your donations to help out the children in our communities will be greatly appreciated by the hundreds of students and their families.”
Donations are accepted at this link.
