Tag: brae’s brown bags

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!

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.

Kindness is a choice

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, Real LifeLeave a comment

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

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

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

Reading With Your Kids Podcast Banner

Today is Giving Tuesday

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2022 Delaware FFA Convention service project group photo

Hope restored after the 2022 Delaware FFA Convention

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Braeden Mannering, March 8, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whatcoat’s Donation Wish List

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

Delaware FFA State Convention

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach1 Comment

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

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