Celebrating Teachers: A Special Event Honoring Minnesota Educators with $1 Million in Gifts

Celebrating Educators at the Kids In Need Foundation Event

The Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) is gearing up for its annual Thanks a Million! event on May 2, 2026, at their headquarters in Little Canada, Minnesota. This year's celebration aims to honor 1,000 teachers from undersourced schools, providing them with a total of $1 million worth of classroom supplies and gifts. This event marks the beginning of National Teacher Appreciation Week, emphasizing the crucial roles educators play in shaping young minds and communities.

A Record-Breaking Celebration

Throughout the day, each participating teacher will receive around $1,000 worth of resources tailored to their classroom needs. This initiative is being hailed as one of the largest single-day events focused on teacher support in the nation, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to improving educational environments for those in need of additional resources.

According to Corey Gordon, CEO of Kids In Need Foundation, "We’re thrilled to welcome 1,000 local teachers to Thanks a Million! as a way to show our appreciation. Teachers have a profound impact on the lives of their students, helping shape their confidence, opportunities, and future potential. We're proud to support teachers from under-resourced schools, recognizing them for their contribution and providing them with the classroom supplies they need for the year ahead.”

The Role of Sponsors

The event wouldn't be possible without the significant contributions from sponsors like Five Below, who is stepping up as the presenting sponsor. Five Below’s efforts, encompassing generous product donations and active participation in the event, highlight their commitment to supporting educators.

John Caruso, VP of Brand Marketing at Five Below, emphasized this dedication, stating, "Five Below helps provide backpacks for kids in need across the country and supports teachers who often spend their own money to create meaningful classroom experiences. Our brand is committed to fostering a fun, inspiring learning environment that helps unlock educational opportunities for every student."

Community Support

More than 70 companies, alongside over 250 volunteers, have joined forces to create an unforgettable day of appreciation. This collective effort showcases community support for educators who go above and beyond for their students, often facing challenging conditions in their teaching environments.

About Kids In Need Foundation

Founded with the mission to ensure that every student has access to the resources necessary for a high-quality education, KINF plays a pivotal role in equipping teachers and students in under-resourced areas. The foundation strategically focuses on schools where 70% or more of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, using the National School Lunch Program as a benchmark for need.

To learn more about their initiatives and how to get involved, visit kinf.org and follow them on social media @KidsInNeed.

In summary, the Thanks a Million! event not only provides essential resources to teachers but serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions made by educators in transforming lives and fostering growth within the community.