# Retired Firefighter Carves Swords to Pay Down Student Lunch Debt

> Retired firefighter Chris Monroe carves swords for donations to reduce student lunch debt in Missouri schools.
- Title: Retired Firefighter Carves Swords to Pay Down Student Lunch…
- Summary: Retired firefighter Chris Monroe carves swords for donations to reduce student lunch debt in Missouri schools. Retired firefighter Chris Monroe uses sword…
- Keywords: chris monroe, st. louis county, student lunch debt, swords, missouri, firefighter, lunch debt, donations, news, local, Retired, Carves
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/10/20/retired-firefighter-carves-swords-pay-down-student-lunch-debt
- Published: 2026-10-20T15:39:21.126+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chris monroe, st. louis county, student lunch debt, swords, missouri, firefighter, lunch debt, donations, news, local
## Chris Monroe carves swords
Retired firefighter Chris Monroe began making swords for his grandchildren and has created over 100 pieces in three years.

> I get texts and emails from kids, you know, about swords and about where they take it and what they did with it.
## Swords fund student lunch debt
For each sword made, donations are collected and used to pay down student lunch debt at local schools.
## Donations named for children
Each donation is made in the name of the child who supported his creations to teach value and community help.

> They’re learning a value here, that there are people out there that need help, and they’re stepping up to help.
## Lunch debt impact
Schools serve free or reduced-price lunches to 20% of Missouri students based on household income criteria.
## Key takeaway

Retired firefighter Chris Monroe uses sword donations to pay down student lunch debt at local schools.