Increasingly, employers are looking for ways to attract and train employees, and offering employees an opportunity to give back to their communities in a meaningful way is one way to do so. A Deloitte Volunteerism Survey of working Americans finds that creating a culture of volunteerism may boost morale, workplace atmosphere, and brand perception. Additionally, nearly nine out of 10 (89 percent) working Americans believed that companies who sponsor volunteer activities offer a better overall working environment than those who do not.

Many corporations turn to Blessings in a Backpack for flexible, hands-on volunteerism opportunities through our employee engagement program. Celebrating our 10th birthday year, Blessings in a Backpack is a national nonprofit providing weekend nutrition to food insecure kids that offers a fun, team-building volunteer experience through packing events. We invite your company or association to join us in feeding hungry kids by hosting a packing event. Blessings programs are run by volunteers who are serving nearly 90,000 kids in 45 states and Washington, D.C.

Packing events are a convenient, volunteer engagement activity that brings employees, executives, association members, or business partners together to prevent childhood hunger locally. We put the music on, and the hunger-free weekend magic begins as volunteers participate in event set-up, assembling bags, and writing positive note cards that are put in the bags, all while not having to travel from your location. Blessings can conveniently bring a packing event volunteer project to an office or offsite venue such as a hotel or convention center.

Is your company looking for a hands-on “Take Your Child to Work Day” activity that involves children and their parents/guardians? Our packing events offer an ideal solution. Our staff coordinates packing events and identifies program recipients. Your donation covers expenses for food, supplies, transportation, and event management. In the words of some packing event partners:

“I appreciate being able to work with a reliable partner who delivers a great product and makes a difference for our communities across the country.” — Anthem, Inc.

“It was truly an honor and privilege to work with the Blessings in a Backpack team! Our teams were so excited and encouraged by the event.” — Home Depot

“Yesterday was so much fun and the kids and parents loved packing bags for a good cause!” — Protiviti

To witness for yourself, this packing event video shows the impact and experience that our employee engagement activity offers.

And just what is the impact of providing weekend nutrition to food insecure kids? In the words of a Blessings program coordinator, “The generous donation of food each week has brought many children the ability to have their basic needs met. A small bag of food goes a long way for our students. The smile on their face is priceless each week as they receive their bags.”

Blessings coordinated nearly 150 events last year, and with your support, we can surpass that number this year! Our packing events calendar is filling up fast, and we would love for your company to celebrate with us by considering a packing event. Your gifts of time and hands-on volunteering will mean so much when children receive their bags of food and read your inspiring notes. To schedule your packing event or for more information, contact Sarah Carlson.

Who will feed the kids this weekend! You will!