To have someone come in and be on fire for the police and take the time to say thank you means more than anything else that anyone could give them.
Tyler Carach makes Donut Delivery to police officers.
Considering that Tyler Carach, son of Local 26 (Savannah, Georgia) member Jacob Carach, was born on National Donut Day, one could say he was destined to become the “Donut Boy.”
But it all really began when eight-year-old Carach spent his allowance to purchase mini doughnuts to thank a few local police officers. Carach’s generosity has since grown into a mission to thank and encourage every officer in the United States.
Now 14, Carach has traveled to all 50 states and held numerous events to thank law enforcement agencies. So far, he has handed out more than 100,000 “power rings” (what he calls donuts). While most kids his age are balancing school, sports or their social life, Carach writes proposals, asks for donations from local doughnut shops and speaks at public events to thank his heroes. Carach even appeared on The Steve Harvey Show to spread awareness of his cause and has collaborated with the Harlem Globetrotters.
“Tyler was nine years old during his first speech in Washington, D.C. He spoke to thousands of people and family members who have lost police officers,” says Carach’s mother, Sheena. “To have someone come in and be on fire for the police and take the time to say thank you means more than anything else that anyone could give them.”
During Carach’s summer travels thanking officers, he found that he was sought after more and more by law enforcement agencies around the country that felt their officers could use the encouragement from the “Donut Boy.” When Sheena would call to tell her husband about extended travels or unexpected finances, Carach’s father would always respond in the same way: “Make it happen.”
“There have been many people and businesses who we will forever be grateful to for helping us make our Tyler’s dream into a reality, but none that we are more grateful to than our Boilermaker,” says Sheena. “Without the sacrifice, the missed milestones, the working every weekend offered, none of this would have been possible.”
Jacob Carach is pleased to be able to support his son’s dream. “There is no greater feeling in the world than watching your child achieve something they’ve set their mind to,” he says. “I am honored to be able to support all of my children’s dreams and look forward to what each of them will accomplish in the future.”
Carach’s passion extends much further than doughnuts though. Due to the pandemic, travel was restricted and he was unable to hold events. Carach still found new ways to continue his mission. Through the connections he made as the Donut Boy, Carach was able to acquire $200,000 worth of hand sanitizer. “We’ve been giving sanitizer out to anyone that needs it: hospitals, schools, first responders, churches and more,” says Carach.
Also, by partnering with an outdoor company, he was able to raise money for equipment for smaller police departments. “Police officers in smaller departments often have to buy their own shoes, uniforms and protective vests,” says Carach.
Another very important project was to raise money for a K9 vest. The K9 unit has a special place in Carach’s heart. Looking ahead in his future, he intends to someday wear the blue uniform and is interested in joining the K9 unit.
Over the years, Carach has formed special bonds with many of the officers. Whether by text or through the “I DONUT Need a Reason to THANK A Cop, Inc.” Facebook page, these officers want to keep in touch with him. When he went through a distressing medical experience, he received dozens of cards, letters, phone calls and an influx of police officers visiting him in the hospital.
“The connection they have with Tyler and that Tyler has with the Blue family is special; they have his back,” Sheena Carach said.
