It’s an understatement to say that teachers had a few extra challenges this past school year. Being a teacher is an already demanding profession and the changes to school life brought about by COVID-19 put extra stress upon the shoulders of our important educators.

Under these circumstances, merely saying “thank you” just didn’t feel like enough, which is why when The Bricks in Downtown Hays reached out and asked Astra Bank to sponsor their “Sweet Treats for your Teach” gift card program, there was no hesitation. This was a great opportunity to support local downtown Hays businesses and teachers at the same time.

How the Program Worked

Those in the community who wanted to support teachers and businesses could purchase a $10 gift card via www.downtownhays.com. Astra Bank would add the treats supplied by local businesses which included a bag of Popt! Popcorn and candy bars from Be Made and Chestnut Street Floral. Finally, Downtown Hays staff added a handwritten note and hand-delivered the bundles to area teachers.

Supporting our Teachers

The “Sweet Treats for your Teach” program ended up generating $2,110 for downtown Hays businesses. Over 180 teachers and school support staff members were honored through these great treat and gift card bundles!

Our teachers deserve all of the recognition that we can give and we hope these treats let them know that they have the support of the community.

Supporting the Community

This isn’t the first time that Astra Bank has teamed up with Downtown Hays. Last year, when many businesses were shut down or not able to operate to their full capacity, a similar gift card program, the “Stronger Together” program, generated $43,000 in gift card sales for local Hays businesses in just under four days.  Astra Bank’s contribution to this program amounted to almost $15,000.

A special thanks goes out to The Bricks in Downtown Hays for providing Astra Bank with these amazing opportunities to support the community and for organizing, promoting, and handling these programs!