3B is a 501(c)3 public charity. In addition to packing and delivering brown bags to people and places in need, we also host events and fundraisers to help raise money for organizations who are also fighting to end hunger. Braeden is a very inspirational speaker and has been invited to speak about food insecurity to people of all ages in six different states. He hopes to write a children’s book and someday host a national hunger conference. In May 2015 he successfully co-hosted a regional hunger conference in Wilmington, Delaware where 189 students ages 6 years to 18 years joined us to discuss food insecurity, healthy living and how we can all be part of the solution, this is now a bi-annual regional conference which was hosted again in 2017. – Brae’s Mom, Christy

July 2013 to September 2020

• 15,174 bags packed and delivered to those in need
• Estimated 20 oz healthy food per bag which averages out to 18,967 pounds of food
• Raised over $92,000 (in donations, grants and awards)

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In July 2013, I had the chance to visit Washington, DC and have lunch at The White House, it was called the Kids’ State Dinner. I wrote about the trip on this blog and shared some photos.

After my trip, my Gram asked me questions about the places I went and the people I met. I met the President and the First Lady and Senator Tom Carper. I met a lot of really cool leaders and had a great time meeting kids from around the country.

Mrs. Obama asked me what I could do to “pay it forward” since I had a chance to visit The White House and eat lunch with her at the Kids’ State Dinner. I didn’t know how to answer her, but I do know.

One thing I remember was seeing homeless people holding up signs that they needed food and shelter. This made me very sad.

I remember seeing people around here in Delaware with signs and feeling sad, too. I wanted to help the people. My Mom said it is not a good idea to just give homeless people money and I do not really understand, but it makes sense that it would be helpful to also give food or contact information for places that can help them get back on their feet. One time, before I even started Brae’s Brown Bags, I was in the car with my Mom and we were stopped  at a red light. There was a woman standing in the median, she looked tired and sad. I rolled down my window and gave her a water bottle. She thanked me and called me an angel. I realized, I can do something to help out.

I am going to continue give to people I see in need. I came up with the idea for the 3Bs, Brae’s Brown Bags. I can put water bottles and food in the bags. My Mom suggested I also put brochures for shelters and organizations that might be able to help the person. So I researched places and put contact information on my notes in the bags I hand out.

I gave out a bag this morning (July 11, 2013) to a man standing in the rain. He was holding a sign saying he was homeless and walking with a cane. I felt so sad for him. I put my Mom’s umbrella in the bag, a water bottle, two fruit snacks backs, a bag of chips and a granola bar. When I gave it to the man he said, “Thank you, son.” Before my Mom and I drove away he was already eating the chips.

Anytime I see a person on the street with a sign saying they need help I hope I can give them one of my bags and I hope I can help them.

Since the very first Brae’s Brown Bag I have decided that I only want to put healthy snack foods in my bags. I have learned that a lot of the time homeless people or people who don’t have a lot of money, usually do not end up having access to healthy food. I think this is important. I think they need nourishment.

If you would like to help please let me know. I am hoping to work with organizations that already are out there. Right now I put stuff from home in the bags so if you have extra water bottles or healthy non-perishable food that would be helpful, too. I really want the bags to be healthy because sometimes it’s not as easy to get healthy foods.