ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY) — Volunteers gathered at St. Theresa Holy Family Center this weekend for the first-ever “Adopt a Kid” Luncheon; an event designed to provide free, hot meals to children in grades first through eighth.

No questions asked. Just a warm plate and a welcoming space.

“We served spaghetti, fresh bread, and juice,” said Lonnie Guidry, the event coordinator and member of St. Theresa’s congregation. 

The idea came to Guidry after learning that many children in the community rely on the school pantry to get through the weekend during the school year; and may struggle even more during the summer.

“Several months ago, it was brought to my attention that the kids didn’t have enough food to eat on the weekend when they go home,” Guidry said. “So, they received backpacks from the school pantry. And when I heard about it, I said to myself, we could probably do something about it.”

With support from church volunteers and community members, the luncheon was created as a response to that need.

“The purpose is to try to reach out to kids,” Guidry said. “The less fortunate kids.”

Parents were invited to drop off their children between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with pickup by 1 p.m. Children spent the afternoon in a safe, positive environment while enjoying their meal.

Though the turnout was smaller than expected, Guidry remains optimistic.

“We didn’t have a great turnout, and that’s okay,” he said. “I’m a little disappointed, but I’m not broken. So next month, we’re going to do the same thing.”

Organizers said the next “Adopt a Kid” Luncheon is already in the works for August. For Guidry and his team, the goal remains the same: to nourish, to encourage, and to remind local youth that their community is here for them.

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