Tag: 3B Brae’s Brown Bags

Buckhorn Creek Elementary Fourth Graders

On By cmanneringIn Announcements3 Comments

We just can’t wait for this afternoon!

Today we’re excited to share that Braeden will be talking with the fourth graders at Buckhorn Creek Elementary in North Carolina via Zoom. We’ve learned that the students are finishing their school year by working on service projects! We love this!

Braeden can’t wait to tell the students a little bit about how he started Brae’s Brown Bags, but also to hear about the great work they these young changemakers are already doing in their school and throughout their community!

We love working with school and encouraging young people to get involved in service and leadership. There is SO MUCH HOPE for our future!

We’ll let you know how it goes and hope to receive more invites from other youth-based organizations, camps and schools interested in hearing from Brae. If you’re nearby he just might be able to visit in person!

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.

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.

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

Spark Change

On By cmanneringIn Announcements1 Comment

This summer we had plans to hold a 3B Summer Celebration. Our initial planning phases began prior to the coronavirus pandemic hitting the globe. And while we are hopeful that things will continue to improve as Delaware reopens in phases, there is still a great deal of information we do not know and cannot predict.

At this time, we are sad to share that we do not have a location at which we can host our celebration. In part, this is due to the number of people our events can potentially bring to one place in a short period of time. It is also understandable that locations for group events will ask organizations to have special event insurance.

Additionally, we’re not comfortable asking for event sponsorship from the local community and companies during this unprecedented time. We would rather your generous donations go to direct assistance of organizations who can immediately help those in need.

Examples of where we encourage you to donate right now are the Food Bank of Delaware, Friendship House, the Sunday Breakfast Mission, the Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund, and United Way of Delaware.

6fd5270332c5b02687bd8c7f74877d26Now, the theme of our event was going to be “Spark Change.”

We still want you to embrace this theme. We must spark change and it must happen now. For those of you old enough to vote, please make sure you vote locally and nationally. For those of you not old enough to vote, please make sure you encourage the adults in your life to make sure they exercise that right. It is not only our responsibility as adults to vote in elections, but it is our obligation and we must take it seriously. We are seeing millions of people protesting, making their voice and their presence be heard. It’s an inspiring thing to see and we need to see the same numbers at the polls.

Be the spark that ignites the change we need to see in the world. You can do it. You are the ember. You are the light. No one else can do what you can do. And when we stand together, we can pave a path so bright that every dark corner is blinded by our unified strength.

Spark change.

It is overwhelming to see so many who are lost, but if we let our sparks shine then we can help them find the way. Sometimes the lost are scared, they are hurting, but we can dare to help them heal. We do not need to host a community event to make this happen.

We can spark change now. Today. Tomorrow. And beyond.

 

3rd Annual 3B Summer Celebration Follow-Up #betterlatethannever

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach3 Comments

brae-celebrationMy apologies for taking so long to write this post. Things get away from me and from Braeden sometimes.

During the celebration, Brae said something that I would like to share for those who were unable to attend.

“Some days it seems like all you hear is bad news. It doesn’t have to be that way. I have learned this over the last couple years. Because even when something bad happens it is up to us to turn it around, to shine the light in the darkness and step out of the shadow. … imagine all the good news we can create, imagine all the people we can help.” – Braeden Mannering, August 20, 2016

We had our 3rd Annual 3B Summer Celebration the end of August and even though it was super hot out we had a pretty great turn out. Thank you to all who came out to the Bear-Glasgow YMCA for the event.

A big thanks to our sponsors this year: Bear-Glasgow YMCA, 93.7 WSTW, Crop Foundation (food and amazing culinary instructor Kip Poole and his talented students), UD Fresh to You (Michael Popovich and farm interns for providing veggies and fruit), UDairy Creamery, R.T. Graham (Keene art teacher from the Christina School District), Speakman, Inflatables R’ Fun, Love What You Boo, Del-One Federal Credit Union, Dover Federal Credit Union, Gerri and Bill Irish, Greg and Margie Mannering, Circle of Friends Daycare, Terri, Todd and Kristin Stephan, Transportation Communications Union IAM Unit #86, Stampin’ Up, Picaboo, Food for Thought Cards and Lynda Pusey with her Jamberry basket.

ladder12A very special thanks to Ladder 12 of the Christiana Fire Company for surprising us and bringing two trucks out to the event. The kids, and us grown ups, really loved seeing all of the firefighters and being able to climb up on the trucks to check out all the gadgets. All of you are so awesome. We thank you for your service each and every day!

Check out 3rd Annual 3B Summer Celebration by Kristin Stephan!

During this event I always have an opportunity to share Brae’s adventures through my eyes. Whereas he is always busy inspiring and encouraging other people to get involved, I’m sitting back and watching this amazing young person be a leader for our community. Brae is often called a young hero. He doesn’t look at himself that way, but I definitely do. Whereas some people spent their afternoon at a movie which could potentially gross millions of dollars, our friends, family and 3B supporters came out to a pavilion for delicious food, awesome giveaways and many of them packed bags for those in need.  Thank you to Sodexo employee Toni Ciccone for helping with the 3B bag packing station! And all of these things, hearing Brae talk, seeing people selflessly pack bags for those in need, being able to interact with the community and raise money for hunger relief, all of those things are absolutely priceless to me.

Seeing him up on stage addressing a group of people who came out to support him and our 3B cause is something I can’t accurately put into words for you. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to all of you for helping 3B grow and for encouraging Braeden to be the very special kid that he is. We truly live in such an amazing state!

Again, please do Check out 3rd Annual 3B Summer Celebration by Kristin Stephan!

Yes, she even snapped when I went down the water slide, which was super fun!

Once again, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your continued support!

August didn’t wind down, but Summer did

On By BraedenIn 3B Outreach, Uncategorized1 Comment

My Mom always says she wishes she had a 25th hour in the day. I know she would fill it with more things to do and then she would need a 26th and 27th hour. But I kinda understand what she is saying now. How do we fit everything in that we want to do? Have you ever played Minecraft? I could play it for four hours straight and not even know it. There should always be hours in the day when you can do something fun. But then I forget to do things like update my blog.

14124317_1191179457592452_5093569072657943110_oLOTS has happened.

August was busy!

Did I tell you I was able to talk to a class of high schoolers who were taking college level courses at UD over the Summer? I did. It was cool. Three of the students were from Africa. They asked great questions. They all helped me pack bags and I actually just got to send some of those 3B bags down to Louisiana so that is really cool. My Mom told me about the flooding in Louisiana and I wasn’t sure the bags would help, but they can’t hurt. She and my brother and sister also went out and bought a bunch of baby food and baby formula to send down to Louisiana with the bags, we sent 140 bags. I saw some of the picture of communities who lost everything because of the flooding and I just can’t believe it.

TedxWilmington_group_speakers-e1472135517934So I had been practicing and preparing for the Tedx Talk Wilmington Conference for months! And the day finally happened. I was nervous. Senator Coons was supposed to be the final speaker but his plans changed and so then I was the final speaker. And Mr. George, he was the host, he said he thinks Senator Coons changed his plans on purpose so he wouldn’t have to follow my talk. But it is really not easy to do those talks. I never used a power point before and I didn’t remember when to click. I forgot what I wanted to say and then I got really nervous and then the people listening started clapping for me. I felt so much better after that.

14066253_1187834541260277_6357352395584793986_oI feel like I made some new friends at the Tedx Talk. I really liked this guy they call Real Gumption. He is from the Virgin Islands. He talked with me at the rehearsal too and then I got to go talk to him after his talk because I think he did a really good job and I really like the idea of his glass bottom boat. He had a big dream and he made it happen and I think that is what I like the most.

I liked the wiggle woman. Her name is Janine Driver. But she talked about how to help yourself from going nuts, like if someone is driving you nuts what can you do to keep your cool. It was so funny! She was a really great speaker.

Kaamilah Diabate was also really awesome with her poem and the Twin Poets with their poem, they really made me think and it was very sad because they talked about racism and it is something that my Mom and my stepdad have talked to me about a lot and it was good to hear from a younger person especially from her perspective. Kind of like that I also liked hearing from Ian Khan because he had a really crazy childhood compared to mine and the things he went through seemed pretty scary and I think about my life and how lucky I am. So I liked hearing about other people’s lives and their ideas. All of the speakers were really just really good. And even though it was a long day I am happy I was there.

Also this month was our 3rd Annual 3B Summer Celebration. We have a lot of photos to share and people to thank but I think my Mom is going to handle that post so make sure to check back soon because I am sure she will have a zillion pictures to share.

Oh and I started 7th grade on August 30, yesterday! Yes, back to school, no homework yet though!

Ever wonder how far a ripple can reach?

On By BraedenIn 3B Outreach, 3B Ripples1 Comment

udLast week I got to talk with two different groups of people about Brae’s Brown Bags, food insecurity and service. First I talked with a group from the University of Delaware. They were having a service retreat which I think is a really great idea. I think every company should have a service retreat where they spend time out of their office or out of their warehouse and they go and they do something good.

The group were people from Student Services and Enrollment Management and after I talked with them for a little bit they packed 250 bags of healthy food for people in need. Some of them took bags home with them in case they see someone in need during their travels. The rest I was able to take him so I can bring them to a shelter or soup kitchen who needs them. So thank you very much to this group, I had a great time and I am thankful you invited me.

greenwood2The next day I got to visit Greenwood Elementary School in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. A group of their 4th graders decided to start a 3B Ripple Student Chapter. A student named Josh Bernberg heard me talk at one of his Boys Scout meetings. And then he shared information with his classmates. They decided to name their 3B Ripple “Greenwood Strong” which I think is pretty awesome. So they were my 8th official ripple! And oh my goodness! They were so impressive! After we talked we ended up packing 358 bags of healthy food! Can you believe it!? We had a couple tables lined up with the supplies and once the students got the hang of it they packed the bags so fast!

The principal at Greenwood even donated 100 books to the cause! I also got to meet some of their Girls on the Run team and they were very excited to meet me which I have to admit was pretty cool.

Then this week we got an email from one of the middle schoolers who was there with their younger sibling. And she was so inspired that she said she wants to start a 3B Ripple at her middle school in Kennett! The ripple effect of Brae’s Brown Bags is something really unbelievable. I really can’t thank all of you enough!

Also I want to share I got invited to be a member of the Junior National Honor Society at my school Gauger-Cobbs Middle School!

I also want to let you know we are less than three months away from our 2016 3B Summer Celebration. You can find out more here! We are looking for sponsors!

Radio Disney here I come #RDMA

On By BraedenIn Real Life2 Comments

20160429_083641

I am writing this in the Philadelphia airport. My mom and I are heading to Los Angeles to attend the 2016 Radio Disney Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater.

It seems like most of my trips where I find myself waiting for a plane or a train are sort of like a dream. Am I really here? Are we really going to meet Gwen Stefani? Is this really happening?

Even though it takes a lot of time I really am happy about what I am doing with 3B. I really like helping people and knowing that people are being fed; healthy food.

And it’s an honor to be receiving the Disney Hero for Change Award but I would be doing what I do even without awards. That’s not why I’m doing it, that’s not how it started. It started because when I was 9 and we drove by an old homeless man and I was so sad and I knew I had to do something to help.

And then I realized everyone can help! Maybe they don’t realize it. So I’m getting lots of other people to volunteer with me. Recruiting other kids and now I’ve activated over 2,500 volunteers, maybe more! So sometimes near where I live we might see a homeless person and they already have a 3B bag. I can provide more and I do but I know other people in the community are giving, too.

You should watch Sunday, May 1 at 7pm on the Disney Channel.

Congrats to Whitney who is receiving a Disney Hero for Change Award with me this weekend at the Radio Disney Music Awards. It will be nice to meet you.