Thomas’ toast to National Bagel Day gives coats to kids in need

14-Jan-2022 - Last updated on 14-Jan-2022 at 12:42 GMT

Thomas Bagels is marking National Bagel Day (15 January) with a donation that will go a long way in providing warmth, confidence and hope to kids in need across the US. Pic: BBU

Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU)-owned Thomas Bagels is toasting the ‘hole-iest’ food holiday in the US (15 January) by warming up underserved communities across the country through a $110k donation to Operation Warm.

For the past 23 years, Operation Warm has used brand-new coats and shoes as a bridge for families in need to access everything from flu shots to new books. Thomas’ donation will translate into 4,000 winter coats for elementary school kids in five US cities.

Throughout January, elementary schools in Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle will each receive around 800 coats – proven to go a long way in helping students maintain concentration and thrive.

Since joining forces with Operation Warm in 2020, Thomas Bagels has donated more than 18,000 new coats to children in need in 20 elementary schools across the US. BBU employees have also taken their commitment a step further, by volunteering at 15 onsite events.

Get your hands on bagel swag

On 15 January, Thomas’ will also release two limited-edition designs to commemorate National Bagel Day 2021. ‘Dough-voted’ fans are invited to head to the brand’s Instagram account to enter for a chance to win bagel swag, including a ‘get-you-hands-on-it-while-its-hot’ Mini Bagel set and the ultimate pronunciation guide for bagel connoisseurs.

20,000 children in need

“One of the best parts of kicking-off the New Year is always another opportunity to celebrate National Bagel Day with our trusted partner, Operation Warm, to provide warmth to those who need it most,” said Eduardo Zarate, senior director of Marketing for Thomas’.

“As we approach the tremendous milestone of 20,000 children impacted through our partnership, we’re grateful to have found a partner whose mission so closely aligns with our own to help families 'Wake Up to What's Possible' and spread warmth however we can.”

BBU is the US arm of Mexico bakery giant Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company with operations in 33 countries. The Thomas brand dates back to 1880 when Samuel Bath Thomas’s Nooks and Crannies English Muffins instantly resonated with New Yorkers. His secret recipe and griddle baking process formed the basis for a company that has since added bagels, breakfast breads, swirl breads and croissants to its portfolio. Today, Thomas’ produces the biggest selling English Muffin, along with the leading grocery bagel in the US.

Other brands in the BBU stable include Arnold, Brownberry, Entenmann’s, Sara Lee and Stroehmann, among others.