The Four Oaks Elementary School PTA announces a $5,000 donation from Amazon to sponsor Fall Festival admission for 1,000 students, creating opportunities for Cardinals and their families to enjoy an evening of school spirit and community connection.
The Fall Festival will take place Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Four Oaks Elementary School. Through the PTA’s Cardinal Friends & Families Give Back initiative, Amazon’s contribution will cover the $5 admission fee for 1,000 students.
The school celebrated the donation with a video announcement for students and families. Ryan Thompson, Site Leader at Amazon’s Smithfield operations facility, also delivered Golden Tickets to Four Oaks Elementary to mark the occasion.
"At Amazon, we know that strong communities start with strong schools," said Ryan Thompson, Site Leader at Amazon's Smithfield operations facility. "Four Oaks Elementary is right in our backyard, and many of our employees are parents and neighbors in this community. We're proud to help make the Fall Festival accessible to every Cardinal so families can come together and celebrate what makes this school special."
Four Oaks Elementary, the largest elementary school in Johnston County, serves families across a range of economic circumstances, including households with limited financial resources. Its Title I designation reflects the importance of additional educational support for students from low-income families. The school also lists a Backpack Buddies program among its family supports. For families balancing school activities with everyday expenses, even a modest admission fee can affect participation. Amazon’s contribution helps remove that cost, allowing more Cardinals to celebrate alongside their classmates.
Lyndsey Dunn, principal of Four Oaks Elementary School, shared the following statement:
“As a principal, there is nothing more meaningful than seeing our community come together to ensure that every child feels included and valued. Amazon’s generous donation to cover admission for every student to our Fall Festival is about so much more than a free ticket. It is about removing barriers, creating memories, and making sure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of being part of their school family. This act of kindness reminds our students that they matter and that their community believes in them. We are incredibly grateful to Amazon for investing not just in an event, but in the smiles, laughter, and lasting memories of our students.”
The partnership reflects the PTA’s 2026–2027 theme, “A Blueprint for Four Oaks Elementary: Faith, Family, Four Oaks,” and its commitment to enriching student experiences, strengthening family engagement, and building community connections.
The PTA is also raising funds for a digital sign to improve bilingual communication with families and increase visibility for school announcements, events, student achievements, and safety information. These efforts share a common goal: helping families stay informed, connected, and involved in their children’s school experience.
"Johnston County Public Schools is appreciative of community partners such as Amazon who share our same interest in education and support us in our ongoing efforts to increase parent and family engagement," stated District Parent & Community Engagement Liaison Tracey Clark. "We look forward to welcoming Amazon representatives to the event and are excited to see the impact of their generous donation."
Amazon will receive Diamond Sponsor recognition and special acknowledgment for supporting Cardinal Friends & Families Give Back. Amazon representatives have also been invited to attend the festival and connect with students and families.
The Four Oaks Elementary School PTA thanks Amazon for investing in its students and helping create lasting memories for Cardinal families.
About Four Oaks Elementary School PTA:
The Four Oaks Elementary School PTA brings families, educators, and community partners together to support students, strengthen school connections, and create meaningful opportunities for participation throughout the school year.