For the first time in more than two years, Independence Blue Cross associates from the Blue Crew, the company’s volunteer group, met in person for a community activity. Volunteers at the company’s Market Street headquarters packed hundreds of bedtime health kits for children as part of a project with Cradles to Crayons.
This onsite project was one of several Blue Crew activities — the rest took place virtually — to celebrate National Volunteer Week, held April 17-23. In total, 250 Independence associates volunteered for virtual events with MANNA, Cradles to Crayons and Maternity Care Coalition as part of the company’s annual Community Impact Day.
The Cradles to Crayons kits contained personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, soap, and dream journals for the children to record their thoughts and feelings. Cradles to Crayons distributes these kits to children living in low-income and homeless situations throughout the Philadelphia region and Camden, N.J.
The Blue Crew has supported Cradles to Crayons since 2008 by coordinating donation drives and hosting in-person, virtual, and remote volunteer events to support kids in need.
The Blue Crew celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. In 2021, 946 associates and guests volunteered nearly 7,300 hours to 170 nonprofit organizations in our region through virtual events. This included both Blue Crew events and independent volunteer hours recorded by associates.