Tag: brae’s brown bags

Honoring Hunger Fighters Who Inspire Us All

Black History Month: Honoring Hunger Fighters Who Inspire Us All

On By cmanneringIn Real LifeLeave a comment

We think Black History Month is not only about the past. It is also about the Black leaders right now who are building a world where everyone eats with dignity.

This year, we chose to highlight a handful of Black-led and youth-led groups in our region whose work lines up with our own mission: getting good food to people who need it, treating everyone with respect, and showing that you are never too young (or too small) to make a difference.

Our spotlight list stretches from Philadelphia and Chester to Baltimore and Brooklyn, and then comes right back home to Wilmington and Newark. These are neighbors in our wider community, all fighting hunger in creative and courageous ways.

Below is the article version of what we are sharing on social media all month long. Feel free to explore their work, follow them, and use their stories as fuel for your own.

Everybody Eats: Chefs Turning A Food Hall Into A Hunger Solution

Everybody Eats Foundation grew out of a group of Black chefs who refused to watch their neighbors go hungry. They started by hosting pop-up events in parking lots and neighborhoods, serving chef-cooked meals to people facing food insecurity and homelessness around Philly.

Their work eventually found a home at a collaborative space in Chester, where the movement set up inside a food hall and later launched Everybody Eats Cafe, a Black-owned cafe feeding local families and reinvesting back into their nonprofit mission. The idea is simple: use a business that sells great food to help fund work that gives great food away.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They show how professional skills in the kitchen can become a powerful tool to fight hunger.
  • They treat community members like guests, not charity cases.
  • They are close by in Chester, which makes them feel like cousins to us here in Delaware.

For our 3B kids and supporters, Everybody Eats is a reminder that you can take something you love, like cooking, and aim it straight at a real problem.

Youth Food Security Network: Teens Leading An Online Food Pantry

Youth Food Security Network (YFSN) is exactly what it sounds like: a group of young people in Baltimore who decided they were not going to wait for adults to fix teen hunger.

Working with HeartSmiles and No Kid Hungry, they launched a youth-led virtual food pantry. Teen leaders like Autumn, Don, and Mya helped design surveys, pick grocery items, and get funding so that families could order food that fits their culture and needs and have it delivered right to their door.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They prove that teenagers can design serious, thoughtful solutions to food insecurity.
  • They are honest about their own experiences with hunger and use that lived knowledge as expertise.
  • They remind our 3B crew that if you understand a problem, you are allowed to lead the way in solving it.

When we talk to students, we love pointing to YFSN and saying, “Look, this is what happens when young people are trusted with real responsibility.”

The Campaign Against Hunger: From One Mom To Millions Of Meals

In The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH), we see what long-term, Black-led food justice looks like.

More than twenty years ago, Dr. Melony Samuels responded to one mom in her Brooklyn church who was trying to feed four children. That church pantry grew into a full community program serving 50 families. Today, TCAH is one of New York City’s major food access organizations, providing tens of millions of nutritious meals through pantries, farms, mobile markets, and benefits support.

In 2024, Dr. Samuels was formally recognized as CEO and Founder of TCAH, honoring her decades of leadership in food and health equity in New York.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • Their story shows how something very small and local can grow over time into a life-changing safety net.
  • They combine emergency food with deeper advocacy, asking why so many families need food lines in the first place.
  • As a Black woman-led effort, they are a powerful example for kids who want to connect service with systems change.

For our 3B community, TCAH is a reminder that handing someone a bag of food is important, and so is fighting for a world where that bag is not needed.

Black Mothers In Power: Feeding The Village While Fighting For Maternal Justice

Black Mothers in Power (BMIP) is a Delaware-based group that focuses on Black maternal health and justice. Part of that work is making sure Black mothers and families have consistent access to healthy food.

At their BMIP Center in Wilmington, they run:

  • A 24/7 community fridge where anyone can take what they need, no questions asked.
  • A Relief Fund & Food Program that provides groceries, baby food, and essentials for families who are struggling.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They connect food to maternal health, showing that caring for moms means feeding the whole family.
  • They are right here in our own state, so their work feels very close to home.
  • Their community fridge is a concrete example of neighbors sharing with neighbors in a way that protects dignity.

As a Delaware nonprofit, we are proud to stand alongside BMIP and point young people toward their model of Black women-led, community-rooted care.

Humbly Assisting Humanity: Fighting Hunger One Meal At A Time

Humbly Assisting Humanity (HAH) is another Delaware effort we love. Founded by Shantel Love and her family, HAH has a clear mission: eliminate disparities in hunger by providing food, essentials, and resources to underserved neighbors across our state.

They have served thousands of meals in Newark and Wilmington through community cookouts, monthly outreach, and events such as “Pancakes & PJs,” which wrap families in comfort and care. Their fundraising materials say it plainly: every gift helps put food on the table one meal and one act of kindness at a time.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They are a family-founded, Black-led organization, much like 3B, which started from a kid and his family wanting to help.
  • They mix joy and fun with serious work, showing that justice can take the form of pancakes and smiles.
  • They focus on eliminating disparities, not just filling plates, which matches our belief that every community deserves the same chance to thrive.

We see HAH as proof that a small team of committed neighbors truly can move the needle on hunger right where they live.

Free Food For All Delaware: Dignity, Culture, And Chef Made Meals

Free Food For All Delaware (FFFA) was created by Chef Jamilah Abdullah after she experienced traditional food assistance that felt low quality and disconnected from her communitys needs.

Instead of accepting that, she started hosting free community meals that are farm fresh, Halal, and culturally grounded. FFFA serves restaurant style dishes at no cost, often in partnership with local farms and markets, and sometimes fills community fridges with extra portions so nothing is wasted.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They show that people who are hungry deserve beautiful, thoughtfully prepared food, not just leftovers.
  • They name and challenge “food apartheid” and food deserts, especially in Black communities.
  • They model mutual aid, where everyone gives and receives over time, which is a powerful lesson for young volunteers.

For kids in 3B, FFFA sends a clear message: food is about respect and community, not only survival.

Why These Stories Matter For 3B

So why did we choose these particular groups for Black History Month? A few reasons:

  • They are Black-led or youth-led. Black leadership in food justice has always been vital, and these groups are carrying that history forward in the present.
  • They are close enough to feel real. From Chester and Philly to Baltimore, Brooklyn, Wilmington, and Newark, these are places our kids know and visit.
  • They represent many different ways to fight hunger. Chefs, moms, teens, pastors, families, mutual aid crews, and big nonprofits are all part of this picture.

For us at 3B, Black History Month is an invitation to honor this leadership and to ask, gently but clearly:

What part can I play?

How You Can Get Involved, At Any Age

Here are a few simple ideas you can try after reading about these amazing groups:

  • Follow and share. Follow these organizations on social media, like their posts, and share their work with your friends and family. Awareness really does matter.
  • Support if you are able. If your family or school can donate, even a little, consider giving to one of these groups as a Black History Month action.
  • Volunteer locally. Look for chances to help right here in Delaware, including with community fridges, food drives, or events run by the groups above.
  • Start something small. You do not have to build a giant nonprofit to make a difference. A class snack shelf, a school garden, a mini pantry at your church, or packing bags with us can all be powerful.

The hunger fighters we are spotlighting this month are proof that caring about people and taking one brave step can turn into something much bigger over time.

From our little corner at 3B, we are grateful to learn from them, cheer them on, and invite you to join in. Black history is being written in food lines, community fridges, and crowded kitchens every single day. You are very welcome to be part of it.

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.

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.

A page featuring Christy and Braeden Mannering in the Teen Biz Parent Guide book

The Teen Biz Parent Guide from Target Evolution

On By cmanneringIn Announcements1 Comment

Exciting News for Young Entrepreneurs and Their Parents

A new book has just hit the shelves, and it’s a must-read for parents of aspiring young entrepreneurs! “The Teen Biz Parent Guide,” authored by Crystal Victoria and published by Target Evolution Incorporated, is now available to help parents navigate the exciting world of youth entrepreneurship. This comprehensive guide offers invaluable advice and insights for parents whose children dream big and want to start their own businesses or charities at a young age. It’s a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial skills in our youth.

Featured Success Story: 3B Brae’s Brown Bags Foundation

A page featuring Christy and Braeden Mannering in the Teen Biz Parent Guide book

One of the highlights of this book is the inspiring story of Braeden Mannering and his mother, Christy Mannering, of the 3B Brae’s Brown Bags Foundation. Their journey from a simple idea to a thriving charitable organization is featured as a prime example of what young entrepreneurs can achieve with the right support.

Braeden’s story began when he was just 9 years old, sparked by a visit to the White House and a challenge from First Lady Michelle Obama. Today, 3B Brae’s Brown Bags has distributed thousands of bags filled with healthy snacks, water, and essential information to those in need. This remarkable achievement showcases the potential of young minds when given the opportunity to make a difference.

The Importance of Parental Support

“The Teen Biz Parent Guide” emphasizes parents’ crucial role in fostering their children’s entrepreneurial spirit. Christy’s experience with Braeden demonstrates that providing encouragement and balance is key to helping young entrepreneurs thrive.

The book offers practical advice on how parents can:

  1. Encourage creativity and curiosity in their children
  2. Foster problem-solving skills essential for entrepreneurship
  3. Support without taking over, allowing children to lead and make decisions
  4. Cultivate a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities

Recognizing and Nurturing Big Dreams

Book cover of The Teen Biz Parent Guide from Target Evolution, Inc.

One of the most important takeaways from the book is the significance of recognizing when children want to achieve something big at a young age. It’s about listening to their ideas, no matter how ambitious they may seem, and providing the guidance and resources they need to explore their potential.

Crystal Victoria’s book serves as a roadmap for parents, offering:

  • Strategies to help children develop business acumen
  • Tips for balancing entrepreneurial pursuits with other responsibilities
  • Insights on how to turn setbacks into valuable learning experiences

A Resource for the Future

“The Teen Biz Parent Guide” is more than just a book – it’s an investment in the future. By empowering parents to support their young entrepreneurs, we’re nurturing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers.

Whether your child dreams of starting a tech company, launching a charitable foundation like Braeden, or exploring any other entrepreneurial venture, this guide provides the tools and knowledge to help them succeed.

So, to all the parents out there with children who have big dreams and entrepreneurial spirits, grab a copy of “The Teen Biz Parent Guide.” It might just be the key to unlocking your child’s potential and setting them on the path to making their mark on the world!

North Star Elementary School 3B Brae's Brown Bags packing event

North Star Elementary spreading cheer

On By cmanneringIn 3B Ripples3 Comments

We recently wrote about North Star Elementary after visiting the school and sitting with students for a special reading night. We were impressed by their excitement about 3B Brae’s Brown Bags then, but they have kicked it up a notch and we are blown away.

The school’s STEM program had a special showcase this week. Students coded games and interactive applications inspired by 3B Brae’s Brown Bags. Amazing! We wish we could have been there to see the showcase in person! Next time!

The following day, students got together or a bag packing of 125 brown bags of healthy food for patrons of the Emmanuel Dining Room in Wilmington, Delaware. Not only did they create a wishlist of items to fill the bags, but they also colored the bags and made them extra cheerful with positive, hopeful messages!

Amanda from the North Star PTA reached out to share some photos. We are beyond grateful to all of you at North Star!

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. Don’t hesitate – to take the first step towards making a positive change today by contacting 3B Brae’s Brown Bags!

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!