Deputy's Christmas Gift Is Feeding Kids, Inspiring Others

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Gwinnett County Deputy Cpl. Matt Stoner and his family decided they didn't need any gifts for Christmas this year.

What they decided to do instead has become a feel-good story that has made hard times a little easier for some and is inspiring good deeds by others.

Stoner and his wife, Gabriela, quietly paid off every delinquent meal account at Central Gwinnett High School. The gift means that every student at the school — there had been about 150 delinquencies — will have access to a school lunch when they return in January from holiday break.

"We’re proud of Corporal Stoner and his family for their kindness," Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Shannon Volkodav said Thursday. "They sent a very clear message to 150 families at Central Gwinnett High School that their community cares about them."

The Stoners attempted to keep their good deed a secret. But, after word began leaking out, the sheriff's office posted about it on its Facebook page Wednesday.

The post says that when the Stoner family decided to forego gifts for each other, they decided, instead, on "creating a special family memory by doing something to help others."

Gabriela researched local schools and selected Central because of its significant number of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches.

She called the school and paid off all delinquent lunch accounts, allowing some needy families to begin the new year, at least on one front, debt free.

"The Stoners would have much preferred that this gift remain private, but someone, probably someone who was as moved as we were when we learned of their great act of kindness, tipped off the media and now we can all be touched by a wonderful family who has exemplified the meaning of Christmas," the Facebook post reads. "We share their story of generosity in the hopes that it inspires others to do something kind for someone during this season of giving."

It appears that Christmas wish is coming true.

Volkodav said Thursday that Stoner has been receiving calls from other deputies asking him how to pay off delinquent meal accounts at local schools.

"The great thing about giving is that it often inspires others to also give," she said.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office