For Fayette County Public Schools School Resource Officer Jeremy Day, the answer was simple: give back to the students he serves every day.

Instead of taking time to relax, Officer Day came to the Fayette Education Foundation with an idea. He wanted to spend part of his July walking—not for himself, but for children who may not have the shoes, clothing, or school essentials they need to begin the new school year with confidence.

That idea became the Fayette 50: Miles for Smiles.

How You Can Help

You can make a difference in just a few ways:

• Donate during the month of July to support Walk for Smiles.
• Share the campaign with friends, family, and coworkers.
• Display a Walk for Smiles flyer at your business, church, or community organization.
• Follow the Fayette Education Foundation on social media for updates leading up to and throughout Officer Day’s 50-mile walk on July 23.

Throughout the month of July, the Fayette Education Foundation and the FCPS Police Department are raising funds to help students across Fayette County Public Schools prepare for the first day of school. The campaign will culminate on Wednesday, July 23, when Officer Day will walk 50 miles, visiting 29 FCPS elementary schools in a single day.

His journey represents more than miles on a map. It represents every child who deserves to walk into school feeling confident, included, and ready to learn.

“School Resource Officers build relationships with students every day,” said Carrie Boling, Executive Director of the Fayette Education Foundation. “Officer Day’s idea reflects what those relationships are all about—showing up for kids, meeting them where they are, and helping remove barriers so they can focus on learning.”

Every dollar raised through Miles for Smiles will provide shoes, clothing, backpacks, and other back-to-school essentials for students whose families need a helping hand. Whenever possible, School Resource Officers will personally shop alongside students, creating an experience that is just as meaningful as the items themselves.

The Fayette Education Foundation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to begin the school year with dignity and confidence. A new pair of shoes or a shirt may seem like a small thing, but for a child, it can mean walking into school feeling prepared instead of worried.

Every donation—no matter the amount—helps a child start the school year with confidence.

When Officer Day takes his first step on July 23, we hope our community will be walking beside him—one donation, one act of kindness, and one student at a time.