The lotto game Mega Millions has seen a lot of press lately, mostly because of the outrageously high jackpots but partly because of the lack of winners to come forward. The idea that almost half a billion dollars was going untouched was enough to throw the nation into a frenzy.

But when the numbers were announced for last month’s drawing, a special education teacher, an elementary teacher, and a school administrator realized they had the winning tickets–which were bought in a pool–and decided to keep working despite their spoils.

The friends, who wish to remain anonymous, have each worked multiple jobs to make ends meet in the recent economy slump but don’t want to let a sudden windfall affect the children who are in their care every day.

“I can’t give up on my kids,” one of the winners said.

The $656 million jackpot was split between three winning tickets scattered across the country; aside from Maryland, a winner was also announced in Kansas and Illinois. No one has come forward to claim their share in the latter state.

The friends, who call themselves “The Three Amigos”, remain humble about their winnings–about $35 million each–and say the ticket is a prayer answered for unpaid bills.