Inviting Brae to read at your school

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

We’ve had some folks reach out to see how they can get Braeden to their child’s school to read his book. Ultimately, the request needs to come from the school, so we can follow protocols to ensure the safety of your kiddos 🙂

Brae is happy to visit and read to students of all ages, but please note that “Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger” is a picture book meant for children ages 5-10. It takes about 10 minutes to read and Braeden invites the students to ask him questions after he finished the book. A typical reading session is 30 minutes or less.

Brae is featured in other books that might be more suitable for an older group, including Jennifer Casa-Todd’s Raising Digital Leaders: Practical Advice for Families Navigating Today’s Technology. While he would not sit and read the chapter that includes him, he can speak to using digital platforms to network and connect with audiences who have helped him grow 3B.

The best way to reach out to us is by visiting our Contact Page to fill out the form.

Please note that Brae is taking classes at the University of Delaware and we need at least two weeks’ notice to figure out the best time for him to visit your school or organization.

Emergency sanctuary during winter

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, AnnouncementsLeave a comment

Today is the first official “Code Purple” day that we have been notified of here in Northern Delaware. I’m sure there have been other “code” days of various colors across the country as the temperatures have dropped this winter. When these codes are activated we are available to provide our 3B Brae’s Brown Bags to locations upon their request. During the winter, our bags include healthy snacks, water, a page of resources and handwarmers.

When a Code Purple is called in Delaware, it means there are locations set up to offer emergency sanctuary to our addressless friends. The locations are usually open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. so that patrons can come in for dinner and have a warm place to sleep for the night. Depending on the location in Delaware, there are a variety of places to stay. The best way to find out which location is open on any given night is to call 2-1-1 on your phone or text your zip code to 898211. People in Delaware and Salem County (NJ) can use Delaware 2-1-1 to find information.

If you see someone on the street, please consider calling or texting the number above so you can provide the details of resources to those in need.

Effects of below freezing temps

Exposure to temperatures below freezing can have significant impacts on a person’s health. The human body’s response to cold weather includes cardiovascular stresses as it struggles to retain heat, which can lead to illnesses such as hypothermia. Vulnerable individuals, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are more susceptible to adverse effects due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature.

Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks, particularly for people with cardiovascular disease, as the body’s natural defense system causes blood vessels near the skin to contract, leading to increased strain on the heart.

Additionally, cold weather can be dangerous for those with respiratory diseases, as it can lead to an increased risk of conditions like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Symptoms of hypothermia

Symptoms of hypothermia can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but some common signs and symptoms, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include:

  • Shivering (in the early stages)
  • Slurred speech
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Stiffness in the arms and legs
  • Bluish or pale skin
  • Weak pulse
  • Slow, shallow breathing

If you suspect someone is experiencing hypothermia, call 911 immediately. If it is safe for you to intervene while waiting for medical help to arrive, move the person to a warm place, remove any wet clothing, and cover them with blankets. If the person is conscious, give them warm fluids to drink.

How can you help?

During the winter, there are several ways to help the homeless and ensure they stay warm and healthy. Some of the most effective ways to provide assistance include:

  1. Donate Warm Clothing and Blankets: Homeless individuals need warm clothing such as coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks to protect themselves from the cold.
  2. Create Winter Care Packages: Assembling care packages with essential items like non-perishable food, hygiene products, and warm clothing can make a significant difference in the lives of the homeless.
  3. Offer Warm Food: Providing warm meals can help combat the effects of cold weather, as the body requires more energy to stay warm during the winter.
  4. Donate Old Jackets, Gloves, and Socks: Donating old but still usable winter clothing items can provide much-needed warmth to those without shelter.
  5. Raise Awareness: Increasing awareness about homelessness during the winter can help build empathy and encourage support from the community.
  6. Volunteer: Volunteering at shelters or organizations that support the homeless can have a direct and positive impact on their well-being.
Braeden Mannering reading Just One Pebble at Keene Elementary School.

Storytime with Brae

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, 3B Ripples1 Comment

Before Christmas break, Brae had been invited to his old elementary school, Keene Elementary, to read the book at is all about him and 3B Brae’s Brown Bags.

It was such a cool experience. The story is really great for children ages 5 to 12, and it’s inspiring because Brae started his non-profit when he was 9-years-old. Some of the kids he read to ended up having really thoughtful questions and comments. One little kindergartener explained, “You blow my mind,” at the end of the reading. To which Brae humbly said, “Thanks, little dude.”

One child asked about the title of the book, “Just One Pebble.” Brae explained to the little girl that sometimes all it takes is one tiny pebble to make a ripple of change in the world. Other children were sharing how they wanted to help the homeless, too. Brae encouraged them to do so and said that was a great idea, but he also said they should only go out to help people if they bring their parents along. 🙂

Brae really enjoyed the opportunity to read the book to several different classrooms that afternoon. His sister was able to be his tour guide and bring him to each of the classrooms. We’re so grateful that Mrs. Taraboletti, the principal at Keene Elementary, was willing to make time to read this story.

By the end of the afternoon, there were children running up to Brae for hugs. I really think he made a big impact on a lot of future changemakers.

Kindness is a choice

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, Real LifeLeave a comment

Brae’s journey with 3B Brae’s Brown Bags inspired Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky to write a story, which she titled “Just One Pebble: One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger.” She worked with a fabulous illustrator Sara Casilda and together they captured nine-year-old Braeden. It’s amazing to me, because now he is 20 years old. He’s still packing bags and delivering healthy snacks to people, but he’s a young man now. Through the book I feel I can now go back in time and see my Brae as he was when he was 9 years old and I love that.

The story is already published in multiple languages thanks to Clavis Publishing, but it is also hitting the airwaves via podcasts. Dianna shared the “Reading With Your Kids Podcast” with us and it brought tears to my eyes. As Brae’s Mom, of course I sometimes I feel biased about how compassionate he has always been. Hearing other people talk about him and hearing how he is still inspiring people, even after a decade of time, is just so moving.

You can listen to the podcast using the embed below, or click through to listen here.

Reading With Your Kids Podcast Banner

Today is Giving Tuesday

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

Today is GivingTuesday, the motto for the day is “Everyone has something to give, and every act of generosity counts.” This is so true!

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Whether you choose to donate money to your favorite charity or you choose to give your time by volunteering, the point is to choose kindness always. If you are able to give to 3B Brae’s Brown Bags this year, please know 100% of donations go to our mission. 3B provides homeless and low-income populations with access to healthy foods, clean water, and contact information for additional services that can aid them. Brae’s ongoing mission is not only to feed people today but to raise awareness about the problems associated with food insecurity. Through 3B we hope to help empower and inspire youth across the nation to become part of the solution.

Online donors will receive an automatic receipt via email from PayPal thanks to their Charity platform. The receipt you receive will list Brae’s Brown Bags Donation as the item.

You can also donate through Guidestar where our organization has a platinum rating. Or you can donate using the “donate” button via Facebook.com or hosting your own fundraiser through Facebook.

Not only do we need your support, we need your help to spread the word. Share with those who you know support our mission. As always, we thank you for your commitment to 3B and thank you for your support of hunger relief, we could not do this without you!

Our EIN is 46-4307237. Your contribution is tax deductible.

Just One Pebble

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, Real Life1 Comment

“Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger” hit bookshelves in the United States on September 5, 2023. This incredible true story, written by Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky and illustrated by Sara Casilda, follows the journey of Braeden Mannering, who started the nonprofit 3B Brae’s Brown Bags at just 9 years old.

The book aims to inspire children and adults alike to make a difference in their communities and to raise awareness about hunger relief. The story emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and taking action to make a positive impact on the world. The book includes a note from Braeden to the reader in the back.

We are so grateful to Dianna Sirkovsky for writing this book about Brae and his mission. We love that the story is being shared, but most importantly we are thrilled by the idea that other young people could be inspired to throw their own dreams into their own ponds and see the amazing ripple effect that will happen!

Every dream, every change, starts with one step forward, one moment of kindness, one selfless act and it doesn’t matter how old you are!

Don’t miss out on this heartwarming and inspiring story that proves anyone can change the world if they dream big. Order your copy of “”Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger” today and join Braeden on his incredible journey to make a difference.

2022 Delaware FFA Convention service project group photo

Hope restored after the 2022 Delaware FFA Convention

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

The drive to Harrington, Delaware took a little over an hour. The weather was brisk, but beautiful and traffic was minimal. Driving from north Delaware to southern Delaware is such a treat, the open roads, blue skies and farm land bring me a sense of peace.

The 2022 Delaware FFA Convention took place at the Harrington Fairground this year. Today was their day of service and they chose to invite us down for a chat and a bag packing event.

This is the first time my 12-year-old, Finnegan Stephan, took a leading role in a 3B event. Today Finnegan took the mic and introduced his brother. He provided brief information about how 3B was formed and what we have accomplished over the last 9 years. I am so proud of him for conquering this fear. Several of the FFA students took time to give him fist bumps afterward.

Braeden spoke less about what 3B is and more about why it’s important to him. His talk was more somber than at previous events. Of course he hasn’t spoken in-person for two years due to COVID-19, so a lot has changed in his life. He is now 18 years old, he’s not the same young kid who put this all together. He has seen the dark side of working with homeless populations. Thankfully, he still has the same big heart.

I’ve had people tell me that handing out Brae’s Brown Bags isn’t helping anyone. That the homeless are lazy or drug addicts. No one grows up wanting to hold a cardboard sign on a street corner begging for money or food. That’s no one’s dream.

Braeden Mannering, March 8, 2022
Braeden talking at the 2022 Delaware FFA Convention
Braeden went on to give examples of some of the people he has met over the years. He told their stories, he shared how they are good people who worked hard and things didn't end up going their way. I think it is critical for people to understand that there are vulnerable populations who need support and compassion rather than hard knocks. Humanizing the man or woman behind the tattered clothes and cardboard signs is important.

We all cope with loss and pain in different ways. And each of us in this room have walked a different path. You can’t look at someone and know what they are going through. You can’t look at someone and claim to know how much time or resources they are worth.

I hope we choose to be the kind of people who stop to give someone a moment…We are all somebody’s son or daughter.

Brae’s Brown Bags is a simple concept. We don’t need to be fancy or complicated to make a difference. Each person who receives one of these bags can be helped, that matters to me. That person matters.

Braeden Mannering, March 8, 2022

There were many helpers assisting with the bag packing today. Of course the majority were current FFA students from middle and high schools across the state. I’d like to say thank you to a student named Jasmine who showed interest in doing research to help us find a more environment friendly way to pack our bags to hopefully someday use less plastic water bottles!

2022 Delaware FFA Convention service project group photo
A group photo after the bags were all packed!

We had a great deal of enthusiastic help from Jackson Sylvester, a former president of Delaware FFA, and a graduate of Lake Forest High School in Kent County, who is now the National FFA secretary.

There were also some FFA alums, like Kristin Cook, who helped us find our way around The Centre Ice Arena, a 49,000 square-foot facility that sits on the Harrington Fairgrounds.

Ultimately, this caring group of young FFA leaders packed nearly 250 Brae’s Brown Bags.

Amanda Powell, Executive Secretary of the Delaware FFA Association, let us know that the bags will be donated to People’s Place in Dover, Delaware. This organization offers a variety of services. One of which is called “Whatcoat Social Services” (Whatcoat) provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for low-income individuals and families.  

Whatcoat’s Donation Wish List

  • Soap
  • Toiletries
  • Gift cards
  • Backpacks
  • Paper products
  • School supplies
  • DART bus passes
  • Diapers and Pull-Ups
  • Dish detergent/sponges
  • Non-perishable food items
Braeden Mannering and Finnegan Stephan after the event outside The Centre
Braeden Mannering and Finnegan Stephan after the event outside The Centre

Delaware FFA State Convention

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

Today is the start of Delaware’s statewide convention for FFA. They chose for their service project to be a bag packing with 3B Brae’s Brown Bags. Braeden and I will be heading to Harrington, Delaware to be part of this experience. We’re excited to be able to work with other youth again. This is our first big bag packing since the pandemic started two years ago!

Many thanks to the Delaware FFA for inviting us! We’ll post photos and talk about the event after we get home!

Helping hands, together, safely with gloves.

3B Bag Packing

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

During the COVID19 pandemic we have had less of an opportunity to create bag packing events at schools. This means we have been doing more bag packing on our own as a family which is always fun to do, but it also means we are looking for ways to ensure schools and other youth organizations can still be involved.

We are grateful for the Delaware Girl Scout Troop #537 for taking the initiative to host a parking lot bag packing event with their group. We were happy to provide supplies and hope to Zoom Braeden in for an inspirational talk and a thank you to the group.

If your school or youth group would like to do a service project with 3B Brae’s Brown Bags it might still be possible. Our addressless friends and neighbors are still in need, perhaps now more than ever, and your help is priceless. Please feel free to reach out using our contact form so we can find the best way to continue working together to end hunger.

We are more powerful together words written in black and red.
We are more powerful together.

Braeden speaks prior to an inaugural virtual ball

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

Braeden Mannering had an opportunity to speak to a group of people who support Boston Community Fridges to help with hunger relief in the Boston Area before their virtual inaugural celebration on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

Each person we see in our lives has value. They are someone’s son, someone’s daughter, whether they have a roof over their head or not. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris understand this, they see the value in every person and they seek for equity, they seek to show all of us that we belong. 

Braeden Mannering, 1/20/2021

Boston Area Community Fridges
These outdoor fridges, often built under a roof alongside some pantry shelves, are typically monitored and stocked by volunteers, filled with everything from fresh produce to canned goods and sometimes even toiletries and other non-food household essentials.

Find your local fridge:
boston.eater.com/maps/community-fridges-boston