Investing in Our Community: Relieving Lunch Debt,

Each year, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. pause to celebrate Founders Day, reflecting on the legacy of the 22 visionary women whose commitment to service and sisterhood laid the foundation of the Sorority on January 13, 1913. On this meaningful day, the Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chose to commemorate Founders Day not only in reflection, but in action.

On January 13, 2026 as part of the chapter’s Adopt-A-Family holiday celebrations, the Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter signed a check in the amount of $2,818 to the Appoquinimink School District to cover past-due school lunch balances for students attending Brick Mill Elementary School, Silver Lake Elementary School, Bunker Hill Elementary School and Redding Middle School.

For many families, school lunch debt can quietly accumulate during periods of financial hardship. While the balances may seem small individually, the impact can create significant stress for families and, more importantly, affect students’ sense of security during the school day. The Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter chose to provide this gift as an extension of its commitment to service, compassion and community care. Through the Adopt-A-Family initiative, the chapter traditionally focuses on meeting immediate holiday needs such as gifts, food and household essentials. This year, the chapter also sought to address a need that extends beyond the holiday season but one that directly supports students’ well-being and academic success. By eliminating these past-due balances, the chapter aimed to remove a barrier that can follow families long after the holidays have passed. 

The Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter is grateful to the Appoquinimink School District for its partnership and for the opportunity to support students across multiple schools. Brick Mill Elementary School, Silver Lake Elementary School, Bunker Hill Elementary School and Redding Middle School each serve diverse families and the chapter is honored to contribute to easing the burden for those in need.

This initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of chapter members and supporters who continue to honor the Sorority’s legacy through service. It is a reminder that meaningful impact does not always come with fanfare. Sometimes it comes through quiet acts that restore dignity, relieve stress and ensure that a child can participate in the school day without worry.