SanMar Corporation (PPAI 110788, S16) has announced its support for T-Mobile's #GiveThanksNotPranks movement, which steps away from traditional April 1 pranks and instead gives thanks to educators across the country. Issaquah, Washington-based SanMar is partnering with T-Mobile to show appreciation for teachers nationwide who have gone above and beyond for students and communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. T-Mobile has pledged up to $500,000 in donations through the nonprofit education crowdfunding site DonorsChoose to help outfit teachers’ classrooms, both virtual and in-person, with basic supplies they need to teach their students.

“This year on April Fools’ T-Mobile is going to #GiveThanksNotPranks alongside great brands like SanMar by pausing the shenanigans and asking everyone to come together to show their appreciation for people who made our lives a little bit easier during this challenging year,” says Janice Kapner, EVP and chief communications officer of T-Mobile. “We also love that SanMar is joining us to recognize teachers. No doubt our hardworking educators deserve a huge a shout out for all they’ve done for our students this past year and we’re going to partner with DonorsChoose to stock up their classrooms with much-needed resources.”

While 2021 is beginning to show hopeful promise, the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect everyone’s day-to-day lives. This is especially true for teachers who have been consistently and directly impacted by the pandemic and who continue to work tirelessly for their students. SanMar’s commitment to amplifying the #GiveThanksNotPranks movement maintains their tradition of stewardship for corporate responsibility and support for local communities.

“This past year has shown us in more ways than one just how essential and important our teachers are to our children and our communities,” says Jeremy Lott, president of SanMar. “We’re excited to join in the opportunity to give thanks to our educators for all they do by supporting their classrooms and their needs. SanMar is proud to pledge donations to fulfill teachers’ needs in the communities around our distribution centers across the country.”

Starting March 22 through April 1, T-Mobile has three ways to help provide public school educators critical supplies they need to teach students through partner DonorsChoose—everything from pens and paper to crayons and notebooks. No.1 is to share; thank any person who’s gone the extra mile by sharing stories on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with #GiveThanksNotPranks. T-Mobile will donate $5 to DonorsChoose for each post up to the $500,000 campaign total. No. 2 is to donate; T-Mobile will match individual donations made directly to its DonorsChoose campaign up to the $500,000 campaign total. And No. 3 is to text; customers and fans can donate $5 of their own to DonorsChoose by texting THANKS to 50555.