Media Release Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools | photos courtesy of Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools

Throughout the 2021-'22 school year, there has been a big push in acts of appreciation for our educators. Spearheaded by Kelly Edwards and her band of merry volunteers, with the support of the Education Foundation for BPS, the focus this week turns towards the students. For three mornings - May 10, 11, and 12 - the EFBPS will surprise students across School District 2 when a huge contingent of volunteers work together to distribute 17,000 donuts to students. 

“We’ve done one small gesture of thanks to all the teachers and support staff each month this school year, and we wanted to take a moment to also thank the students,” explains Kelly Edwards, Appreciation Committee Chair and Foundation Board Member. “These kids have been put through the ringer the last two years as well, so this is a small way for us to say thank you.” 

This has been made possible thanks to the support of generous donors, including Century Gaming and H2 Lawn and Snow, which has allowed EFBPS to work with Krispy Kreme to purchase and distribute the donuts. Given the massive amount of donuts involved, Krispy Kreme is working overtime to provide all the donuts needed. 

Over the course of the three mornings, volunteers will descend upon the schools between 7:15 and 8:30am to hand out donuts to ALL the students (including gluten free options for students with allergies). 

Thank you, students! We "donut" know how you do it! Thank you for being amazing, resilient, and dedicated!

“This community is amazing,” says Kelly McCandless, Executive Director for the Foundation. “This entire school year we’ve seen businesses and individuals step up with their time and their resources to help us make our teachers, support staff and now our students feel appreciated. These things would not be possible without their dedicated support.” 

The Appreciation Committee is making a final fundraising push for the Educator Appreciation grand finale initiative, which will be delivered to all teachers and staff during the last week of school. If you’re interested in volunteering or donating to the cause, please click here to learn more. 

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