A pre-pandemic photo of Blue Crew volunteers volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.
During National Volunteer Month in April, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) received two recognition awards for its corporate commitment to volunteerism through the Blue Crew.
- The Philadelphia Business Journal recognized Independence with a “Faces of Philanthropy” award for its support for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Ronald McDonald Houses serve as a “home away from home” for the families of children receiving treatment for illness at nearby hospitals. RMHC nominated Independence for its two decades of support, which included making and serving meals prior to the pandemic. Last year, the Blue Crew participated in virtual events to support RMHC, such as packing welcoming kits for families and creating art projects and scavenger hunt activities to cheer up the kids.
- Independence was also honored by Caring for Friends with their Caring Company of the Year award. Caring for Friends provides food and friendship to seniors, kids, and adults in the five-county Philadelphia region. More than 300 Blue Crew members volunteered over 400 hours to create thousands of “caring notes” that were distributed in meals, family grocery boxes, and snack bags for homebound seniors, the homeless, and children.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Blue Crew have volunteered hundreds of thousands of hours since 2001 to local causes and supported more than 100 diverse nonprofits organizations across the region. This includes those addressing good health and well-being, food insecurity, and education and literacy. Despite the pandemic, nearly 1,000 Blue Crew members volunteered nearly 5,000 hours in 2020 through more than 100 events; more than half of these were virtual.