The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made it virtually impossible for the Class of 2020 to experience those long-lived senior celebrations and traditions like prom and graduation commencement this year. For high school and college graduates, the pandemic has disrupted one of the most exciting times of their young lives and they are missing the opportunity to walk across the stage wearing a cap and gown to accept their diploma to cheers from family, friends, and classmates.
Concord, New Hampshire based U.S. Postal Service worker, Josh Crowell, began to notice “2020 Grad” signs on lawns across his delivery route. With a daughter who graduated high school in 2018, Crowell knew how important the traditions of the graduation ceremony are to each student to mark the significant accomplishment. Crowell, who is also the American Cancer Society's Greater Concord and Manchester, New Hampshire Relay For Life Event Lead, wanted to lift students’ spirits. Crowell began delivering handwritten notes with words of encouragement and Dunkin’ gift cards as a small congratulatory gift at the mailboxes of homes of graduating seniors on his route in Bow and Loudon, NH.
“These kids deserve to have their achievements recognized and I wanted to do my part to put a smile on their faces during this difficult time,” said Crowell. “Everyone here drinks Dunkin’ coffee, and I’m a fan of keeping things local, so I thought what better way to do my small part than with Dunkin’ gift cards.”
Crowell has received notes back from some seniors, thanking him for his kindness and continued dedication as an essential worker during the pandemic. We raise our cups to Crowell and the Class of 2020!
For Class of 2020 grads looking to make their at-home graduation celebrations a little sweeter, here's a tutorial for how to create your very own Dunkin’ graduation cap.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Dunkin’ has recognized the everyday heroes and people on the frontlines keeping their communities running like Crowell. To-date, through funding provided by Dunkin’, its franchisees, and the Dunkin’ Joy In Childhood Foundation, hundreds of thousands of complimentary cups of coffee, donuts, Keurig® K-Cup pods, and Dunkin’ gift cards were delivered to more than 300 hospitals and emergency sites, and counting. Let’s keep going. Want to thank a local hero for all that they do? Send them a Dunkin’ Gift Card at DunkinCoffeeBreak.com. For every card sent, Dunkin’ will donate $1, up to $100,000, to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation emergency funds, specifically for non-profits helping families affected by COVID-19. For more information on the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, please visit bringjoy.org.
As of March 17, service at Dunkin’ U.S. restaurants is temporarily limited to carry-out, drive-thru ordering, and delivery, with a select number of locations also offering curbside service. Stay informed on our response to COVID-19 here and follow the stories of how our Dunkin’ community is coming together to keep America running here.
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