HURON — When Huron Taco John’s General Manager Kelli Salter learned of a fundraiser put together by a Rapid City store to assist in paying off student meal debt with the Rapid City School District, she turned her attention locally to the Huron School District, wondering if her store could do the same sort of fundraiser.

She contacted Amanda Reilly, Director of School Nutrition with the Huron School District.

Reilly shared with Salter that the total meal debt in the district was nearly $20,000, and Salter saw an opportunity to help.

That’s when Salter set up a fundraiser at her store for Monday, May 6, where 20% of all sales will go toward the Huron School District’s meal debt. Cash donations are accepted and are donated at 100% of the donation.

Fundraisers are nothing new to the Huron Taco John’s store.

Salter reserves Monday evenings for fundraisers, with a percentage toward the designated charity or group.

However, she also knows that even if the fundraiser is extremely successful, it will only put a small dent in the overall number.

“Even our best nights, we raise thousands of dollars,” Salter noted. “But that’s a couple thousand dollars. There’s much more that will need to be done - but this can be a good start!”

Reilly explained that school debt is fairly evenly distributed among the district’s five buildings, but even if a student’s account is in debt, the student will be allowed to eat breakfast and lunch each day.

Sales will be the primary driver of the fundraiser at Taco John’s, but Salter noted that there will be many ways to add to the order at the counter or the drive-thru.

“People can add to their debit or credit card on their order right at the till,” Salter explained. “Or they can give us a check or cash donation that we will pass on to the school district. All of the funds above and beyond the actual cost of the order goes 100% to the district.”

The fundraiser will run from 4-8 p.m. at the Taco John’s location at 410 Dakota Ave. N. in Huron.