Tag: 3B Brae’s Brown Bags

Do more 24 Delaware 2026

Counting Down for Do More 24 Delaware 2026

On By cmanneringIn AnnouncementsLeave a comment

We are excited to share that 3B Brae’s Brown Bags is once again participating in Do More 24 Delaware, a statewide day of giving that brings neighbors, nonprofits, and whole communities together to do a little more good in just 24 hours.

As a Delaware-based nonprofit that delivers healthy food and simple essentials to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, this day means a lot to us. Do More 24 helps small, volunteer-driven groups like 3B stretch every single dollar a little bit further.

When it is happening

Mark your calendars: Do More 24 Delaware runs from 6 p.m. on March 5 through 6 p.m. on March 6.

For those 24 hours, we are asking you to “do more” with us by:

  • Making an online gift to 3B Brae’s Brown Bags through the Do More 24 Delaware platform
  • Sharing our fundraising page with friends, family, coworkers, and classmates
  • Cheering us on as we work toward our goal during the giving day

Here is the 3B Brae’s Brown Bag direct link, you can sign up to get a reminder right on this dashboard.

What Do More 24 Delaware is all about

Do More 24 Delaware's Giving Day will be March 5 through March 6

Do More 24 Delaware is like a big statewide kindness challenge. For one full day, people all over Delaware choose causes they care about and give what they can online.

It is not just about raising money. It is also about:

  • Learning what different nonprofits are doing in our state
  • Seeing how many people care about their neighbors
  • Showing kids and teens that their community is full of helpers

For 3B, this is a special chance to talk about hunger and homelessness in a way that is honest, compassionate, and never judgmental. We know that anyone can struggle, and everyone deserves respect, dignity, and something good to eat.

How your Do More 24 support helps 3B

When you give to 3B during Do More 24 Delaware, you are helping us:

  • Pack and share 3B bags filled with healthy snacks, water, and resource information for people who are hungry or experiencing homelessness
  • Provide simple to-go bags for Code Purple or Code Orange emergency sanctuaries and other local partners
  • Visit schools and youth groups to talk with students about food insecurity, kindness, and community service
  • Put real tools in kids hands so they can be part of the solution, not just hear about the problem

Your gift, no matter the size, turns into a real bag, a real conversation, and a real moment of hope for someone right here in Delaware.

Ways to get involved

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about how you can join in, including:

  • The link to our official Do More 24 Delaware fundraising page
  • Ideas for classrooms, clubs, and families who want to support 3B together
  • Social media graphics and posts you can share to spread the word
  • Fun updates as we get closer to March 5 and 6

If you are a teacher, a student, a parent, or part of a community group that wants to connect Do More 24 with a bag packing project or a service lesson, we would love that. Keep an eye out for ways to team up with us.

Thank you for doing more with us

We know there are many great causes to support during Do More 24 Delaware, and we are truly grateful that you would consider 3B Brae’s Brown Bags as one of them.

Thank you in advance for your support, for believing that kids can lead, and for helping us make sure that more of our neighbors have something good to eat, something helpful in their hands, and a reminder that someone cares.

Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to do more with 3B on March 5 and 6!

In 2026, Let Action Be Our Kindness

On By cmanneringIn Real LifeLeave a comment

Every New Year comes with a lot of big words.
Resolutions. Promises. Inspirational quotes. Long posts about how this year will finally be different.

Words can be wonderful. They can encourage, comfort, and inspire. At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we are grateful for every kind comment, every supportive message, and every thoughtful conversation about hunger and homelessness.

But in 2026, we want to lean into something even stronger than kind words.

We want action to be our kindness.

Words are a start, but they are not the finish

Saying “no one should go hungry” is important.
Believing “everyone deserves a warm, safe place” really matters.

But for a person who is cold tonight or wondering where their next meal will come from, what they feel most is not our opinions. They feel what we actually do.

That is why 3B exists.

3B Brae’s Brown Bags started with one kid who wanted to hand healthy food, water, and simple supplies directly to people who needed them. A bag with a snack, a drink, and a note is not a speech. It is not a policy paper. It is a small act that says, “You matter. Someone sees you.”

In 2026, we are choosing:

  • Action over applause
  • Movement over rhetoric
  • Connection over judgment

Because change does not happen in a comment section. It happens when someone has the energy to get through the day because they ate. It happens when someone feels a little less invisible because a stranger stopped, listened, and cared.

Everyone is battling something

One of our core beliefs is simple: every person you see is battling something.

Some battles are easy to spot.
You can see the backpack that is actually holding everything someone owns.
You can see the shivering hands without gloves.
You can see the person sleeping on a bench.

Other battles are quieter.
Anxiety. Grief. Illness. Job loss. Addiction. Loneliness.

We do not always know a person’s story. We do not need to. What we do need is a starting point of compassion, not judgment.

When we pack brown bags, deliver healthy food, or offer a warm coat or blanket, we are not “saving” anyone. We are simply being good neighbors to people who are carrying heavy things.

What “neighbor” means to us

At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, when we say “neighbor,” we do not just mean the person in the house next door.

Neighbor means:

  • The person waiting at the bus stop with a cart of belongings
  • The family living in a motel trying to stretch every dollar
  • The kid at school who is always extra hungry by lunchtime
  • The person you drive past downtown without making eye contact

We believe every person is our neighbor.
And neighbors deserve:

  • Healthy food
  • Warmth and basic supplies
  • Respect, dignity, and compassion

Food is not a luxury. Warmth is not a privilege. These are basic human needs.

How you can turn kindness into movement in 2026

You do not need a big budget or a big platform to make a real difference. You just need a willingness to act.

Here are a few ways to turn kind thoughts into kind movement this year:

  • Pack a 3B style bag
    Include a bottle of water, a healthy snack, maybe a piece of fruit, and a kind note. Keep a couple in your car or backpack to hand out when you see someone who might need it. If you would like to see our 3B insert shoot us an email at christy@braesbrownbags.org.
  • Host a drive at school or work
    Collect snack items, water, travel-sized toiletries, socks, and gloves. Turn it into a classroom or team project that teaches empathy in a hands-on way.
  • Share warmth
    Go through your winter gear. If you have extra coats, hats, scarves, or blankets, donate them. A single warm item can make a huge difference on a freezing night.
  • Choose eye contact and conversation
    A simple “Hi, how are you doing today?” can mean so much. Being seen and spoken to with respect is a powerful kind of care.
  • Support organizations doing the work
    Whether it is 3B or another local group, your time, donations, and encouragement help keep these efforts going all year long, not just during the holidays.

Thank you for walking with us

In 2026, we are not trying to be perfect. We are just trying to be present.

To everyone who has packed a bag, donated a snack, handed out water, invited Braeden to speak at a school, or simply talked with kids about food insecurity and kindness, thank you. You are part of this movement.

Our hope for this year is simple:

That more people are fed.
That more neighbors feel warmth.
That more of us choose action over applause, movement over rhetoric, and love that can actually be felt.

We are all battling something.
Let’s make sure that hunger and cold are not battles anyone has to face alone.

Hands passing a box of food

How U.S. Hunger Is Using Data, Storytelling and Technology To Rethink Hunger in America

On By cmanneringIn AnnouncementsLeave a comment

A recent Forbes profile of U.S. Hunger shines a light on a national nonprofit that is reimagining how we talk about and respond to hunger in America. Instead of only counting how many meals are given out, they are asking a deeper question: Why are people running out of food in the first place, and what can we learn from their stories to create real, long-term change?

Listening to the people who ask for help

U.S. Hunger operates Full Cart, an online program that allows households to request food assistance and have healthy groceries delivered to their door. Along the way, people are invited to share what is going on in their lives. They can talk about work, income, health, caregiving, school, and the everyday pressures that brought them to this moment.

That information is not treated as a form to get through. It is treated as a conversation. A chance to listen. An opportunity to recognize that every request for food comes from a real person with a real story.

Over time, U.S. Hunger has built a large national dataset that connects numbers with lived experience. In their recent report, “When Making a Living No Longer Covers the Cost of Living,” they describe a growing group they call the “newly vulnerable.” These are families where people are working and often have health insurance, yet they still cannot reliably afford food and are just one missed paycheck away from crisis.

Turning stories into insight, with care

One of the innovations highlighted in the Forbes article is Voices: Unpacked. It is a public platform that shares anonymized stories from people who have requested food support and invites all of us to really see the human reality behind the statistics.

The idea is to pull back the curtain on hunger. To show that food insecurity is often quiet and hidden in plain sight, in every kind of community across the United States.

The stories shared through Voices: Unpacked and other channels lift up dignity and resilience. They show parents, grandparents, caregivers, and people living with chronic illness making impossible choices so their loved ones can eat. The data behind those stories helps identify patterns and root causes. The stories make sure we remember that we are always talking about people, not just charts and graphs.

Where food, health, and privacy meet

Many of the households who reach out to U.S. Hunger report that they have health insurance or serious medical needs. That has led the organization to work more closely with health-focused partners who see food as a key part of whole-person care.

To do that well, they are investing in strong data privacy and security and working to meet healthcare-level standards. That way, sensitive information can be treated with the same care and respect as a medical record.

This kind of bridge between food assistance and health care helps reframe hunger as a social and health issue, not a personal failure. It also opens doors. Doctors, health plans, employers, schools, and community groups can all play a more active role in preventing hunger instead of only responding in emergencies.

Why this matters to us

For organizations like 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, this approach is a powerful reminder. Every snack bag, backpack, or grocery box is part of a larger story. A child who is not distracted by hunger at school. A parent who can breathe a little easier tonight. A person who feels seen and not forgotten.

When we combine compassion, good data, and the honest voices of the people we serve, we can do more than fill stomachs for a day. We can help build a future where no one has to choose between paying bills and eating, and where communities come together so everyone is fed with dignity.

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. 

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!

World Mental Health Day and Food Security

Hunger and Mental Health

On By cmanneringIn AnnouncementsLeave a comment

As we observe World Mental Health Day, it’s essential to recognize the intricate link between mental health and food security. At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we understand that hunger is not just a physical challenge; it profoundly affects emotional well-being.

The Connection Between Hunger and Mental Health

Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, impacts millions across the globe. The stress and anxiety stemming from uncertainty about where the next meal will come from can lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, and low self-esteem. Research shows that individuals facing food insecurity are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

This is something we are very familiar with because there was a long period of time when Braeden struggled with food avoidance while dealing with depression during the pandemic. This became a vicious cycle that caused years of pain and heartache for our family. Seeing him become someone else because his body was malnourished was devastating. We know how important it is to have nutritional security.

Access to nutritious food is crucial for overall mental well-being. It not only nourishes the body but also enhances mood and cognitive function. When individuals have their basic needs met, they are better equipped to focus on self-care and pursue their goals.

Supporting Those Affected by Recent Disasters

Today, our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with those impacted by the recent hurricanes in Florida and the southern U.S. The devastation caused by these natural disasters has intensified the struggles many face, making it even more critical for us to come together as a community to support one another.For families already grappling with food insecurity, the aftermath of such events can be overwhelming. The stress of rebuilding lives while also ensuring access to food can exacerbate existing mental health challenges. At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we are committed to providing assistance to those in need during these trying times.

How You Can Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with hunger or mental health issues, please reach out for help. Our organization is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in our community through various programs and partnerships. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s foster a healthier environment where everyone has access to nutritious food and the support they need for their mental well-being.

Join us in our mission to combat hunger and promote mental health awareness today! 💙

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!