A Season of Gratitude & Giving
As we head into Thanksgiving week, we find ourselves reflecting on the many reasons we’re grateful for this community. Every day we see neighbors looking out for one another, educators going the extra mile for their students, and families who show up again and again to support the work of the Decatur Education Foundation.
Because of you students across our district receive essential support — academically, emotionally, and beyond. And as the year-end holiday season begins, we are especially thankful for the generosity and care that fuel this work.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Impact
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be sharing stories of how your contributions make a tangible difference for students and families — from mental health resources to food support, educational experiences, scholarships, and more.
This year we have a goal to raise $40,000 between now and December 31. Every gift, big or small, helps move us closer and strengthens the programs that so many families count on.
Holiday Gifts That Give Back
If you’re looking for meaningful gifts this season, we have several unique options:
CSD Ceramic Sculptures:
CSD Art teacher Colleen Dunbar has created a limited series of handcrafted sculptures of each of the CSD schools. These beautiful pieces make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts — and every sale supports DEF’s work.
Decatureducationfoundation.org/news/csd-sculptures
Sing With the Band:
Know someone who loves to sing?
Our Sing-With-the-Band fundraiser offers a rare chance to perform on a renowned local stage (Eddie’s Attic) with one of Decatur’s favorite bands (Polly Holliday). Spots are extremely limited and would make for an unforgettable holiday surprise — for adults and kids alike.
Bit.ly/singwiththeband
Give in Honor of Someone:
A donation to DEF in someone’s name can be a powerful, heartfelt gift.
If you choose this option, we can provide a printable keepsake card to share with your honoree — a simple way to show that their gift helped support students across our community.
Decatureducationfoundation.org/donate
Giving Tuesday Is Almost Here
On next Tuesday, December 2, we’ll join millions around the world in celebrating Giving Tuesday — a global day of generosity and a moment when our community always shines. Gifts made on Giving Tuesday count toward our $40,000 year-end goal and play an important part in strengthening DEF’s programs.
For those making charitable contributions as part of their year-end planning, all gifts made to DEF by December 31 are tax-deductible for 2025. Your support during this season allows us to start the new year strong and ready to meet students’ evolving needs.
We look forward to sharing stories of impact in the weeks ahead — and to celebrating all that this community makes possible for Decatur’s students.
As we enter this season of gratitude and generosity, we are deeply thankful for every volunteer, educator, donor, partner, and family who helps make DEF’s mission a reality.
Warmest wishes for a restorative and joyful Thanksgiving week.
