Acts of In-Kindness
Amazon was one of many organizations to donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.
Like many non-profit organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond relies heavily on community partners and volunteers to carry out its mission. Since March, we’ve had to adjust our operations in response to CDC recommendations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We operate on a lean budget so our volunteers and their in-kind contributions play a major role in our ability to deliver programs and services,” said Lynne Berkness, vice president of philanthropy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond. “Though we have had to limit our in-person volunteer activities substantially, it’s heartwarming that so many people and organizations continue to reach out to us asking how they can best help our families and youth under our current environment.”
“We operate on a lean budget so our volunteers and their in-kind contributions play a major role in our ability to deliver programs and services.”
In recent months, BGCMR has received close to $15,000 in-kind donations – from groceries and meals to personal hygiene items and critical school supplies – for our families and youth. We’d like to thank all individuals, companies and organizations for their “acts of in-kindness,” in particular the following organizations:
Aetna Better Health of Virginia – A statewide Medicaid managed care organization provided 20 boxes of bags full of personal hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and more.
Amazon – Local Amazon employees selected BGCMR as a non-profit community partner and made a generous donation of 150 string back packs filled with supplies needed by children who are taking virtual school classes at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Amazon DRC 1 Delivery Location sent an energetic team to transfer the donations from an Amazon van to a BGCMR bus, which then distributed the back packs to club locations.
Express Employment Professionals – Co-workers at the leading staffing provider local office on E. Parham Road banded together and delivered 10 bags of school supplies as well as personal hygiene products and hand sanitizers. In addition, the company reached out to explore ways to help BGCMR alumni with job coaching and placement.
Michaels – In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the arts and crafts retail chain held its Back2School Supply Drive in August. Locally, customers at five Michaels locations were given the opportunity to purchase school supplies as donations to their local Club. Through this initiative, BGCMR received 10 boxes full of crayons, pencil boxes, glue, etc.
Pepsi Beverages North America – Virginia (PBNA-VA) – PBNA-VA purchased and delivered nearly 250 backpacks and school supplies for our youth at our Southside Richmond Club so they are ready and productive for the school year.
Prudential Advisors – As part of its Annual Backpack Challenge nationwide to provide kids from underserved communities with the supplies they need for school, Prudential Advisors delivered 87 backpacks to BGCMR.
“There are a lot of big-hearted companies, organizations and individuals who are helping in so many ways,” said Berkness. “It is always uplifting to see their compassion and desire to help others especially during these difficult times.”
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at BGCMR please email volunteer@bgcmr.org.