Category: 3B Outreach

Snow with a thermometer sticking out showing freezing temperatures

Caring For Our Neighbors In Extreme Cold

On By cmanneringIn 3B OutreachLeave a comment

When temperatures drop below freezing, a lot of us think about grabbing an extra blanket or turning up the heat. For people who are living outside or who are not stably housed, freezing weather can be life-threatening.

That is why 3B Brae’s Brown Bags partners with Code Purple emergency sanctuaries and warming stations, providing healthy “to go” bags that guests can take with them when they leave. We do this all year long, but we know that on nights with bitter wind and icy sidewalks, community care really matters.

This post is part story, part safety guide. We want to:

  • Explain how our to-go bags support people using warming stations and shelters
  • Share simple steps to keep volunteers and guests safe while packing and handing out bags
  • Highlight Delaware 2-1-1 as a key resource for anyone who needs help finding shelter or services
  • Go over the signs of hypothermia that many people do not realize are serious

What is a 3B “to go” bag?

Our to-go bags are meant to be simple, respectful, and useful. Depending on donations and season, a bag might include things like:

  • Healthy, shelf-stable snacks (granola bars, low-sodium crackers, nut or seed packs, fruit cups with pop tops, fruit snacks, popcorn, soft breakfast bars)
  • A bottle of water or a low-sugar drink
  • Resource information, such as Delaware 2-1-1 and local support services
  • Seasonal extras when possible, like hand warmers, a pair of socks, or lip balm

Emergency sanctuaries and warming stations often have a limited window of time that they are open. Guests may have to leave early in the morning and walk or wait outside again. A grab-and-go bag is one small way to say, “We see you, and we care about what happens when you step back out into the cold.”

Safety first when packing and handing out bags

We want kindness to be paired with good safety practices. That protects the people we serve and the volunteers who help. Here are some simple guidelines you can use when packing or distributing 3B-style bags with us or on your own.

Food safety

  • Choose shelf-stable foods
    Pick items that do not require refrigeration and that are safe at room temperature
  • Label anything with common allergens
    If your bags include peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, or gluten, label the outside of the bag or the item. A simple “Contains peanuts” can help someone keep themselves safe.

Health and hygiene for volunteers

  • Wash or sanitize hands before packing
    If you are packing a lot of bags at once, set up a handwashing station or keep hand sanitizer nearby and take quick breaks to use it.
  • Follow site rules
    Each sanctuary, warming station, or shelter will have its own safety rules. Please follow the directions of staff on site. They know their space and their guests.

Emotional and physical safety at distribution

  • Respect personal space
    Some guests have experienced trauma. Offer a bag with a smile, but do not insist if someone says “No, thank you.”
  • No photos without permission
    Being in a hard moment should not mean losing your privacy. Never take photos of guests without clear consent, and follow the site’s photo policy.
  • Use a buddy system
    Volunteers should work in pairs or groups, especially in the dark or in bad weather. Check in with each other and with staff if something feels off.

Kindness is powerful, and it is even more powerful when it is also careful and thoughtful.

Delaware 2-1-1: A lifeline for shelter and more

One of the best tools we have in Delaware is Delaware 2-1-1.

What is Delaware 2-1-1?
Delaware 2-1-1 is a free, confidential helpline that connects people to health and human services across the state. It can help with things like food assistance, emergency and transitional shelter, medical care, mental health support, utility help, clothing, and more.

How to reach Delaware 2-1-1:

  • Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Delaware
  • Text your zip code to 898211
  • Use live chat at delaware211.org

Delaware 2-1-1 is available 24/7 and offers multilingual support.

When Code Purple or other cold-weather alerts are in effect, 2-1-1 can help people find warming centers, emergency shelters, and related resources. State announcements often tell residents to call Delaware 2-1-1 to be connected with Code Purple locations and extra cold-weather beds.

If you are volunteering and someone asks, “Where can I go tonight?” or “Who can help me with rent or food?”, it is completely okay to say:

“You can call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211. They can help you find shelter and other resources.”

You do not need to know every answer. You just need to know where to point people.

Hypothermia 101: Signs you should not ignore

Cold is not just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous. Hypothermia happens when a person’s core body temperature drops below 95°F, and it is a medical emergency.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight these warning signs in adults:

  • Shivering
  • Feeling very tired or exhausted
  • Confusion or acting “not quite like themselves”
  • Fumbling hands or trouble doing simple tasks
  • Memory loss
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness or trouble staying awake

For babies, the signs look different. Watch for:

  • Bright red, cold skin
  • Very low energy or being unusually quiet and still

If you see these signs in yourself or someone else:

  1. Call 911 right away if the person is confused, not responding, or very drowsy.
  2. Move the person to a warm, dry place if you can do so safely.
  3. Remove any wet clothing and cover with blankets, coats, or other warm layers.
  4. Offer warm drinks if the person is awake and can swallow, but do not give alcohol or very hot liquids.

Do not rub arms or legs hard to “warm them up.” That can sometimes cause more harm in serious cold-related injuries.

Frostbite is a concern, too.

People who have hypothermia often have frostbite too. Frostbite is damage to the skin and tissue from freezing temperatures. The CDC and other health agencies note symptoms like:

  • Numbness or tingling in fingers, toes, nose, ears, or cheeks
  • Skin that looks pale, grayish, or waxy
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or hard

If you suspect frostbite, follow medical advice from 911 or a health professional. In general, get the person to a warm place and, if possible, avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes.

How you can help

Here are a few simple ways to support your neighbors during extreme cold:

  • Volunteer to help pack to-go bags or deliver them to partner sites
  • Collect items like shelf-stable snacks, bottled water, new socks, and hand warmers
  • Learn Delaware 2-1-1 by heart so you can share it when someone needs help
  • Teach kids and students about food insecurity, empathy, and cold-weather safety in age-appropriate ways
  • Share information about hypothermia and warming centers on your social media or with your community group

At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we believe small acts of kindness can stack up into real change. A paper bag with snacks, a warm word at the door of a sanctuary, a phone number shared at the right time, all of that can help someone make it through a very cold night.

Thank you for being part of a community that shows up, especially when the temperature drops and the need rises.

Braeden Mannering speaking to a group of students in an auditorium

Thank You for Supporting 3B Brae’s Brown Bags This Giving Tuesday

On By cmanneringIn 3B OutreachLeave a comment

We are incredibly grateful to share that 3B Brae’s Brown Bags has raised $286 so far this Giving Tuesday!
To every person who donated, shared our mission, or took a moment to support our work, thank you. Your generosity helps us continue providing essential items, encouragement, and dignity to individuals facing food insecurity and homelessness.

Every dollar truly makes a difference. Our bags offer healthy snacks, water, resources, and seasonal items like hand warmers during the cold months—small but meaningful supports that remind our neighbors they are seen and cared for.

We’re getting close to our $500 Giving Tuesday goal, and there’s still time to help us get there.
If you haven’t had a chance to give yet and would like to be part of today’s impact, your contribution—no matter the size, helps us continue this mission built on kindness and compassion.

Thank you for believing in 3B and the work we do. Together, we can keep showing up for those who need it most.
Let’s finish strong!

💛 Every act of giving brings hope.

Braeden Mannering speaking to students at the Wilmington Friends Lower School

Visiting Wilmington Friends Lower School

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

Earlier this month, Braeden and his partner Grace visited the Wilmington Friends Lower School to speak about public service with a group of younger kids.

Nearly twelve years ago, Braeden came up with the idea for 3B Brae’s Brown Bags. He saw a problem as a nine-year-old and wanted to help fix it. People were hungry, and he had the privilege of never experiencing hunger in that way. So, how would a nine-year-old fix that type of problem? Easy, he would feed them, and so he has, but 3B has become so much more than brown bags of healthy food.

One of the aspects of 3B that Braeden loves the most is visiting schools and talking with students about their own ideas for solving social justice issues, or even environmental issues. Kids don’t think about the barriers, they don’t think about all the reasons not to do something. Kids dive in head and feet first and they pour their hearts into being helpers.

The children at Wilmington Friends were so excited to hear from Braeden. He talked about the importance of public service, the issue of food insecurity, and homelessness. Then he explained 3B Brae’s Brown Bags and how anyone can do it because it’s simple but meaningful. One brown bag, one small act of kindness, can ripple beyond the patron receiving the food.

Braeden Mannering speaking into a microphone on a stage backlit by a bright windows

The day after Brae’s visit, teacher Ms. Monika Simms reached out to share that she had read “Just One Pebble: One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger” to her kindergarten class. “I read the story to the class, and they all talked about things that they might do to help others in need. We also talked about how lucky they all are. So, thank you for bringing this to the world.”

We love receiving feedback like this, it means so much! And we are so happy to know there are schools, like Wilmington Friends, bringing social justice and public service curriculum to their students at a young age.

If you’re inspired by the work of 3B Brae’s Brown Bags and want to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in organizing a bag-packing event at your school, inviting Braeden to speak at your organization, or exploring other ways to get involved, we’re here to help. Simply fill out our contact form on the website, and a member of our team will reach out to discuss how we can work together. Your support can help us expand our impact and bring hope to those in need. 

Do More 24 Delaware Delaware's Giving Day

Join 3B Brae’s Brown Bags for DoMore24 and Help Us Make a Difference!

On By cmanneringIn 3B OutreachLeave a comment

At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, our mission is simple but powerful: we provide healthy food to those in need while inspiring young people to take action in their communities. Through our work, we not only distribute nutritious snack bags to vulnerable populations but also speak with youth about the importance of public service, kindness, and making a positive impact.

Next week, we have an exciting opportunity to amplify our impact—and we need your help!

What is DoMore24?

DoMore24 Delaware is a 24-hour day of giving, bringing together nonprofits, donors, and community members to create real change. From 6 p.m. on March 6th to 6 p.m. on March 7th, we’re asking for your support to help us continue providing healthy food and inspiring youth to give back.

Do More 24 Delaware

How Can You Help?

🌟 Share the Mission – Spread the word by sharing our campaign posts and adding a personal message about why you support us. Your voice matters!

📣 Tag a Friend – Know someone passionate about fighting food insecurity? Tag them and invite them to join our movement.

📸 Post a Story – Share a story on your social media using #DoMore24DE and tag us @braesbrownbags to raise awareness.

💙 Donate if You Can – Every dollar makes a difference! Plus, participating nonprofits (like us!) have the chance to earn bonus prizes from sponsors, helping us raise even more funds to serve our community.

➡️ Click here to donate to our DoMore24 campaign starting at 6 p.m. on March 6

By supporting 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, you’re not just giving food—you’re giving hope, kindness, and inspiration to those who need it most. Let’s come together and Do More for Delaware!

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Let’s make these 24 hours count!

#DoMore24DE #BraesBrownBags #HealthyFoodForAll #YouthLeadership

Braeden answering student questions at Main Street School

Celebrating World Read Aloud Day at Main Street School

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

This week, Main Street School in Irvington, New York, took part in World Read Aloud Day in a truly inspiring way. Students and staff came together to read “Just One Pebble: One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger,” a book that tells the story of our very own Braeden Mannering.

World Read Aloud Day: Sharing Stories, Changing Lives

World Read Aloud Day, celebrated on February 5th, 2025, marks its 15th anniversary this year. This global event encourages people of all ages to read aloud and share stories, highlighting the importance of literacy and the power of storytelling. Schools, libraries, and communities worldwide participate in this day to promote reading and inspire a love for books.

Braeden talking with a group of 300 students at Main Street School in Irvington, NY

Main Street School devoted a full week to “World Read Aloud Day” and ended with Braeden Mannering’s inspiring assembly on Friday morning.

From Pages to Person

After reading Braeden’s story, the students of Main Street School had an incredible opportunity. Braeden Mannering himself visited the school to speak to nearly 300 students about his journey and the importance of public service.

A Young Changemaker’s Story

Braeden with a group of students

If you are new to our website or new to Brae’s Brown Bags, you may not know how it all began. Braeden’s story is truly remarkable. At 9 years old, he founded Brae’s Brown Bags, a non-profit organization providing healthy snacks to homeless and low-income individuals. His initiative began after a visit to the White House, where First Lady Michelle Obama challenged him to “pay it forward.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers

During his visit, Braeden shared his experiences with the students, explaining how he started his non-profit and the impact it has made. His presentation not only introduced the students to Brae’s Brown Bags but also encouraged them to think about how they can make a difference in their own communities. He was able to spend time answering many of the 4th and 5th graders’ questions.

Main Street School has a curriculum that encourages its students to be makers of change. They learn how to get involved in public service and how important it is to be active community members. Braeden was very much inspired by the many students he spoke to and by the teachers and leadership who participated in planning the event and being there to make it such a success.

Braeden Mannering and Sara Reilly
Sarah Reilly and Braeden Mannering

Thank you for the invitation

We want to thank Principal Joyce Chapnick and Ms. Sarah Reilly, the Library Media Specialist, for organizing this inspiring event along with Braeden. It’s so cool that you brought the book to life and gave students a chance to meet a real-life hero who was their own age when he started his non-profit.

Spreading the Message Further

Braeden’s visit to Main Street School is just the beginning. Other schools interested in having Braeden speak to their students are encouraged to reach out. His youth activism and community service story will surely inspire students across the country. His next stop will be Wilmington Friends in March.

World Read Aloud Day reminds us of the power of stories to inspire, educate, and motivate. Braeden Mannering’s visit to Main Street School shows how one person’s story can come alive and inspire a whole new generation of readers and changemakers.

Giving Tuesday December 2024

2024 Giving Tuesday

On By cmanneringIn 3B OutreachLeave a comment

Support 3B Brae’s Brown Bag Foundation

Giving Tuesday represents a powerful moment of collective generosity, and the 3B Brae’s Brown Bag Foundation offers everyone, no matter their age, an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in combating food insecurity.

Why Your Donation Matters

By contributing to the 3B Brae’s Brown Bag Foundation, you’re doing more than just providing food – you’re:

• Delivering hope to families struggling with hunger
• Ensuring children receive critical nutritional support
• Creating a safety net for seniors and at-risk populations
• Encouraging young people to get involved in public service through 3B Ripples

The Impact of Your Contribution

Every donation, regardless of size, translates directly into:
• Healthy 3B snack bags
• Nutritional education
• Community food distribution
• Support for families facing economic challenges

Make a Difference Today

This Giving Tuesday, transform lives by supporting an organization committed to nourishing communities and breaking cycles of food insecurity.

Donate now and be a light in a world that desperately needs human connection and support.

Facebook Fundraiser Link

PayPal Giving Page

3B Online Merch Store

North Star Elementary “Bears that Care”

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, 3B Ripples2 Comments

Last night, Braeden visited North Star Elementary School during their Smores Stories event. He was invited to be a special guest reader! Brae sat in front of a group of young students and read “Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger.” (See note.) Brae received a few great questions from students listening to the story including wanting to know what we pack in our bags and how much it costs. We always love to hear their thoughts about 3B and see their gears spinning about how they can get involved!

Braeden reading to a group of young students at North Star Elementary

The mascot for North Star Elementary is a polar bear and the school is embracing this fully with their upcoming service event, “Bears that Care.” At this event, in December, the students will be packing 125 of Brae’s Brown Bags to be delivered to the Emmanuel Dining Room. The dining room is a soup kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware that we hold near and dear to our hearts. The students will be decorating the bags with messages of hope along with their librarian.

To hype the kids up the school is also putting forth an initiative to be extra kind and caring the two weeks leading to the event. Any kids caught being kind or caring will get a “bear card” that can be put in a raffle basket and the winners will get prizes. We provided some 3B swag to the school to include as prizes for their students.

We absolutely love what North Star Elementary is doing. It’s so important to teach our kiddos about public service and compassion. The messages in the book are meant to encourage young people to think about how they can make a difference in the world around them. These are lessons that will benefit them for their whole life! Many thanks to Amanda Moseley with the PTA for reaching out to invite us to be a part of the programming!

A group of students at North Star Elementary in a photo with Braeden Mannering.

Quick Note: The book, Just One Pebble, was written by Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky and illustrated by Sara Casilda. We have been asked where the money for the book goes. 3B does not get any of the proceeds from the book. However, we feel that the story is an important one to share. It is written and illustrated in a way that provides inspiration to children and lets them know that they can be changemakers no matter their age. It has also recently won awards for social justice. We’re so proud of how far and wide the story has reached.

Giving to 3B

There are many ways to donate to 3B. You can start a fundraiser on Facebook, provide us with in-kind donations like handwarmers, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc. or donate via our PayPal Giving page.

We also have a 3B Brae’s Brown Bags online store where you can buy merch!

Helping during natural disasters

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, 3B RipplesLeave a comment

Braeden and I have been talking a lot about how to help with the most recent disaster relief efforts happening in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

At least 190 people are known to have died as a result of the destruction left by the hurricane and we are absolutely devastated to know that so many tens of thousands more are still isolated due to all of the damage.

When disaster strikes, it is not just a moment of crisis; it becomes an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together, transcending boundaries and differences. As seen in various relief efforts, such as those following Hurricane Irma, the outpouring of support—from monetary donations to volunteer services—demonstrates our shared humanity. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to rebuilding lives and restoring hope. Together, we can create a resilient community that not only survives but thrives, reminding us that in our darkest hours, we can find strength in unity and compassion.

Diverse group of people helping each other a water color illustration
image by Kane Lynch.

How can we help

As you know, Brae recently work with fourth graders in North Carolina on their leadership projects. He spoke to all of the fourth graders about his efforts with 3B Brae’s Brown Bags and encouraged them to think of their own ways to work in service. It takes all of us – children, adults, nonprofits, government entities, businesses, faith-based organizations, educational institutions and others – working together to help our communities when they are struggling.

Up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers will join the North Carolina National Guard in delivering supplies, food and water to isolated communities. People all around the country are looking for ways to help, including us. It makes us sad to know it takes a disaster some times to bring people together, but it makes us proud to see it happen.

Resources

Presenting 3B screenshot

4th Graders Changing the World

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

This afternoon, we talked to all the fourth-grade students at Buckhorn Creek Elementary in North Carolina. It was such a great experience to hear from these young people.

Ms. Ellis let us know that the students were working on service projects. We learned about many great things these young people would like to do. From 3-D printed ribbons to raise awareness about cancer to goodie bags with stuffed animals and stickers for cancer patients at a center in Boston (those are made by Lakelynn, who goes to Boston once a month for her own treatments). Way to go, Lakelynn, you are incredible! We also learned about students aiming to help provide basic needs to those living in poverty and a group that is working to help Veterans who might not have homes or support when they return from service. These fourth graders are changing the world!

We had great questions from so many students! Emery, Alice, Stewart and Hunter, all the students in Ms. Ellis, Ms. Murphy, Ms. Bickelhaupt, Ms. Stewart, and Ms. Mitchell’s classrooms. Everyone was so engaged, and they really made this an enjoyable, thoughtful experience.

Braeden emphasized the importance of learning from failures and the value of initiating projects, even if they don’t always succeed. He commended the group for their efforts to improve their communities and encouraged them to continue. Braeden shared his experience on how to grow an idea into a big organization, emphasizing the importance of meeting like-minded individuals, utilizing social media, and securing funding through grants or donations. Then, I added how important it is to have supportive adults nurturing their ideas.

Screenshot of Braeden Mannering in a Zoom call talking with students.

I have learned A LOT. Maybe the biggest lesson is that there is ALWAYS more to learn. Some things won’t work out the way you want them to and that’s not a failure, that’s not a fault, it’s a push to keep striving, it’s a way to grow and make progress. Sometimes those lessons are more important than immediate success. 

Braeden Mannering, Speaker, Buckhorn Creek Elementary

One student asked Braeden if he faced any challenges or if adults didn’t take him seriously when he was young. He responded by sharing that when he was still in elementary school, he didn’t really consider adults not taking him seriously. He said that he knew once he started talking that, they would listen. I’m so grateful that he felt that way. I realize that’s not something all young people experience, but we really should listen to the children around us because they are our future and their ideas are valid. He explained that his biggest challenge was knowing that he’d never be able to do it all, that it would never be enough, that his resources and time were limited, and he wouldn’t be able to help everyone.

We’re so grateful to have been invited to talk with this amazing group of students! We look forward to future collaborations and can’t wait to hear how your projects turn out!

Way to go, Buckhorn Creek Elementary in North Carolina, for encouraging your students to give back to their community! You are all rock stars!

Inviting Brae to read at your school

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach2 Comments

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.