Teachers in California’s North Bay area will get an early Christmas gift from Mountain Mike’s Pizza in the form of free pizza, a thank-you for their dedication during a challenging year.

Fourteen locations of Mountain Mike’s, headquartered in Newport Beach, California, will give away pizzas to local educators on Wednesday, December 23, the company announced in a recent press release.

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Led by local franchise partner and Mountain Mike’s area developer, Santa Rosa-based Chandi Hospitality Group, the Mountain Mike stores will offer a free small pizza for carryout to the first 100 educators (preschool through college level) at each location.

The one-day giveaway will total up to 1,500 pizzas or about $30,000 in donated meals. Two Santa Rosa locations will provide the offer to the first 150 teachers.

The teachers can choose between a free cheese, pepperoni or Mt. Veggiemore pizza.

“This year has been difficult for all of us, especially our local educators who have gone above and beyond to continue inspiring the students in our communities, which is why we want to say, ‘thank you’ to these unsung heroes this holiday season in true Mountain Mike’s fashion… with pizza!” said Sonu Chandi, president of Chandi Hospitality.

“We’ve all had to roll with the punches during the pandemic, overcoming challenge after challenge, but our teachers maybe most of all,” Chandi added. “We’re happy to extend this token of appreciation to our local educators who, through it all, have managed the many changes with passion and grace.”