The Counterpart Donut Run began with nearly 80 dozen donuts, making stops around the city as a way to say thank you and connect outside of inboxes and meetings. In those early years, it was something we did often, sometimes as frequently as once a month. Over time, it has been refined to be more intentional. The heart of it, though, has stayed the same. It’s something we look forward to not just for the donuts, but for the people, the conversations, and the opportunity to show up for the community we’re part of.
This April, that tradition took on a slightly different shape. In recognition of National Volunteer Month, we partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) for our latest Donut Run. Rather than our team leading deliveries, their team took the lead. They headed out across the city, stopping in with donuts, and sharing more about the work they do and the role mentorship plays in shaping the lives of young people.
It was a small but deliberate shift. The Donut Run has always been about connection. This felt like a natural way to highlight an organization built entirely around creating meaningful, one-to-one relationships. By stepping back and giving their team the lead, we created space for new conversations and introductions that might not have happened otherwise, and all with the legendary Long’s donuts we love.
Most people can point to someone who helped shape their path. A teacher who took extra time, a coach who pushed them, or a mentor who listened when it mattered. Big Brothers Big Sisters exists to create more of those moments for kids across our community by helping them build confidence, navigate challenges, and see that almost anything is possible for their future.
We have had the opportunity to support their work in several ways over the years, from helping bring #GivingTuesday campaigns to life to building The Big App and showing up for events, fundraisers, and volunteer efforts. That support has taken different forms over time, but it has always centered around helping them reach more people, strengthen connections, and create new opportunities to engage their community. Through that, we have seen both the reach of their work and the need for more people to get involved.
With volunteerism on the decline and so many young people in our community still waiting to be matched with a mentor, this felt like a natural way to help create awareness while doing something we already love.
The morning started the way Donut Runs usually do, with a stop at Long’s Bakery. We picked up 60 dozen donuts and met up with the BBBSCI team. Before heading out, we spent time together getting everything ready for delivery. It was a small moment, but one that set the tone for the day.
From there, the BBBSCI team took the lead, heading out to their scheduled stops. At each location, they delivered donuts to anxiously awaiting groups, introduced their work, and took a photo to commemorate the day. There is something about showing up in person, even briefly, with a small gift (donuts in this case) that creates a different kind of connection and appreciation. We were happy to help facilitate this for BBBSCI, as they do for so many in our community, day in and day out!
The Donut Run has always been about connection. This time, it also created an opportunity to introduce more people to the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the role mentorship can play in shaping someone’s future.
If you’re interested in learning more about BBSCI or how to get involved, you can explore more here.
We walked away from the morning feeling grateful for the relationships that already exist and encouraged by the potential for new ones. It was a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful things come from showing up, starting a conversation, and making space for connection.
The Counterpart Donut Run is a recurring tradition in which our team delivers donuts to local businesses and partners throughout the Indianapolis area. It started as a simple way to say thank you and has grown into an opportunity to connect with the community and highlight organizations doing meaningful work.
There are several ways to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, including being a mentor, volunteering your time, or supporting their programs. You can learn more about current opportunities and how to get started here.
Mentorship provides young people with consistent support, guidance, and encouragement during key stages of their development. Having a trusted adult to turn to can help build confidence, improve decision-making, and open the door to new opportunities over time.
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