Little Red Schoolhouse Partners with KGY Media Group

Little Red Schoolhouse Partners with KGY Media Group to Continue the Annual Radio Day Fundraising Tradition for Years to Come

KGY Media Group stations 96.9 KAYO-Country & 95.3 KGY-Olympia Greatest Hits to Provide All Day Coverage of the Annual Fundraiser on the 2^nd Friday in August.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Olympia, WA – March 10, 2026)  The Little Red Schoolhouse Project (LRS) is excited to announce a newly established Media Partnership with KGY Media Group, operator of local radio stations 96.9 KAYO-Country & 95.3 KGY-Olympia’s Greatest Hits, allowing the local non-profit organization to continue collecting backpacks, school supplies and raising funds to benefit all school districts in Thurston County.  

The Little Red Schoolhouse annual Radio Day fundraising event is slated for Friday, August 14^th, 2026, continuing the long-established tradition on the 2^nd Friday in August.  Previous media partner and LRS founding member, KXXO Mix 96.1, provided broadcast coverage of radio day since 1991, but the station was recently sold and the new owner changed KXXO’s music format, leading LRS to seek a new media partner that will help continue the Radio Day fundraiser our local community has known for 35 years.        

KGY Media Group, General Manager, Nick Kerry says, “The Little Red Schoolhouse makes an especially positive impact in our community…the organization’s project of collecting backpacks, school supplies and raising funds to ensure students throughout Thurston County have what they need to thrive in the classroom, is a legacy that must continue for many years to come and I’m excited 96.9 KAYO & 95.3 KGY will keep the Radio Day tradition on local radio.”       

LRS committee Co-chair, Debbie Haddock, says, “What a wonderful partnership! Little Red Schoolhouse is proud to announce their new collaboration with KGY, and we are so pleased to welcome them to our committee and look forward to many years to come.”  

Approximately nineteen committee members work throughout the year to make the LRS fundraiser possible.  Committee member Beth Capek says, “We are delighted to be working with KGY, they will be an excellent partner for our Radio Day in August.  Thanks to KGY for their support.” 

Committee member Jessica Robinson highlights the need in our community, “Each year, we see families in Thurston County who are working hard but still struggling to afford back-to-school supplies,” said Jessica. “When a child starts the school year without the tools they need, it can impact their confidence before they even walk into the classroom. The Little Red Schoolhouse Project helps remove that barrier by providing backpacks and essential supplies directly to local schools, ensuring students can begin the year prepared and proud.”

Background Info: 

The Little Red Schoolhouse Project has been in existence since 1991. We began as a coalition of local churches and social service agencies with the goal of providing school supplies to Thurston County students in need. Our initial budget was just over $4,000 and has grown this year to over $50,000.

The Little Red Schoolhouse Project is under the fiscal sponsorship of Family Education & Support Services.  Find out more and how you can donate by visiting their website at www.RedSchool.org   

2026 Radio Day Fundraiser

Date:  Friday, August 14^th, 2026          

Location:  Rockway-Leland Building, 119 Washington Street NE Olympia, WA 98501

Time:  9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Historical Fun-Fact:  The Rockway-Leland Building is one of KGY’s previous broadcast facilities.  KGY-AM operated there during the 1940s-1950s; the building was home to KXXO Mixx 96.1 from 1990-2025.   

Media Contact: 

Little Red Schoolhouse Project                                        KGY Media Group

Lynsi Polanco - FESS                                                             Nick Kerry

Development Director                                                         General Manager

6840 Capitol Blvd SE Bldg 3                                                711 Capitol Way S STE 702

Tumwater WA 98501                                                           Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 480-3763                                                                     (360) 943-1240 x102

Lynsip@familyess.org                                     nick.kerry@kgymediagroup.com