Krispy Kreme is giving away a dozen free donuts to all 2020 graduates. Here's how to get them

High school and college graduates have been denied the traditional graduation ceremonies on account of the Coronavirus pandemic. But Krispy Kreme is keen to give graduates a reason to celebrate. Krispy Kreme is treating the graduates of 2020 to free "Graduate Dozen" donuts. The offer will be valid to all high school and college 2020 graduates from May 18 to 24, announced Krispy Kreme. If you're graduating in 2020, all you need to do is prove you're from the class of 2020 while paying a visit to any of the Krispy Kremes franchises across the United States, reported People.

“We feel for all of the high school and college seniors. We wish they had that moment of walking across the stage and getting their diploma,” said Dave Skena, Chief Marketing Officer for Krispy Kreme in a press release. “We can’t replace that … but we thought we could help them safely have a little fun and enjoy a special ‘Graduate Dozen’ on us." The colorful "Graduate Dozen" box will include three rows of donuts labeled 2020. The box includes two Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled, Strawberry Iced Kreme Filled and Cake Batter Filled donuts, along with six Yellow Iced Original Glazed donuts.

The Graduate Dozen will be available at their stores, drive-throughs and on online delivery. Krispy Creme said the Graduate Dozen can be purchased by those who aren't graduating. "Moms, dads, friends, and family can buy this ‘Graduate Dozen’ all week long to honor their favorite graduates, but only seniors can get one for free," said Skena.

The following items will be considered proof you're a 2020 graduate:

— Cap and gown with 2020 tassel
— Class of 2020 apparel 
— 2020 letterman jacket featuring senior status
— 2020 class ring
— Graduation announcement featuring name with matching ID
— Student photo ID featuring senior status
— Other Class of 2020 senior swag

Krispy Kreme said the high school or college senior must be physically present to redeem the free doughnuts on May 19, along with their ID. Krispy Kreme's little treat comes little more than a week after former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama confirmed they would headline multiple virtual graduation events for the high school class of 2020. A 1-hour multimedia event titled Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020  will see special appearances from LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai, the Jonas Brothers, Yara Shahidi, Bad Bunny, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe, H.E.R., and Ben Platt. The 1-hour event hosted by XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The Entertainment Industry Foundation will be aired on Saturday, May 16, on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. It will also be streamed on other broadcast and digital streaming partners, according to a statement released by the former President's office.  

"Over the past month, (former) President and Mrs. Obama have received dozens of requests from around the globe to address graduating classes whose in-person commencement events have been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," Barack Obama's office said in a statement. "Today, the Obamas are pleased to announce that they will participate in multiple virtual commencement celebrations for students, families, and educators." 

It all started after a high school senior, Lincoln Debenham, from Los Angeles, California tagged Obama and started a social media campaign to hold a virtual graduation event. He had tweeted: Hi, Barack Obama, Like most high school/college seniors, I'm saddened by the loss of milestone events, prom, and graduation. In an unprecedented time, it would give us great comfort to hear your voice. We ask you to consider giving a national commencement speech to the class of 2020. Obama has certainly done more than that and by the looks of it, he is going to turn it into a spectacle. The 17-year-old said his generation related more with Obama as opposed to Trump. "It's about someone who speaks for my generation. That's what this is about. Hearing that voice of hope again," said Debenham.