RE-1 Valley Hosts Third Annual Hat Day for Homeless Students March 6

RE‑1 Valley School District will host its third annual "Hat Day for the Homeless" on Friday, March 6, 2026, asking students, staff and the public to wear hats and contribute to the district’s McKinney‑Vento fund as officials report an increase in students experiencing homelessness. The district announced the event on its website Feb. 24 and the Sterling Journal‑Advocate ran additional details Feb. 26.

The district press release by Lacey Fernandez includes a direct invitation: "Please join us by making a donation and wearing your favorite hat on Friday, March 6th," language the district used to frame the fundraiser and encourage community participation. The release also includes an online donation prompt labeled "Click here to donate" on the district site.

Cindy Reyes, identified by the Journal‑Advocate as the district's family/community advocate, urged broader institutional participation and set a participation baseline for employers. "We warmly invite your agency, business, or organization to join us by allowing employees to wear a hat that day with a minimum donation of $1.00. Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of students in our community," said Reyes. The Journal‑Advocate also points readers to a QR code for agencies that want to participate and lists Reyes' contact information: (970) 466‑9368 and reyesc@re1valleyschools.org.

Organizers outline several ways to give. The Journal‑Advocate notes: "Donations can also be dropped off at any school or the district office: 301 Hagen Street, Sterling, Colorado 80751." For donors who prefer checks, the newspaper instructs: "Please make checks payable to RE‑1 Valley School District and include 'McKinney Vento Homeless Account' in the memo line." The district website uses the fund name "McKinney‑Vento Homeless Student Fund" in its announcement; donors seeking to reconcile the two phrasings can contact Reyes at the phone number above for clarification.

The district office in Sterling provides logistical details for in‑person transactions and inquiries. The address is 301 Hagen St, Sterling, CO 80751; publicly listed district phone numbers include (970) 522‑0792 and (970) 522‑0525. Office hours posted on the district site are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Journal‑Advocate included a courtesy graphic and QR code in its Feb. 26 article, and the district additionally promoted the fundraiser on its Instagram account.

The Journal‑Advocate summarized the fundraiser’s purpose this way: "This event helps provide food, clothing, shelter, and other essential resources for students in need." With the March 6 collection date confirmed and multiple donation pathways available—online, QR code, drop‑off at any school or the district office, or by check—RE‑1 Valley officials are asking local agencies, businesses and residents to wear a hat and contribute to the district's McKinney‑Vento effort supporting students and their families.