Two of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s (BCBSNE) employee resource groups (ERGs) led fundraising efforts to engage employees and support the community this summer. These efforts include partnering with the Nebraska Lions Foundation (NLF) to organize a glasses collection from May 1 – May 30 and participating in the Food Bank for the Heartland’s Strike Out Hunger campaign from June 1 through June 30.
BCBSNE’s Possibilities ERG organized the glasses drive. The ERG, which is dedicated to supporting employees of all abilities, worked with the NLF during the month of May to collect old or extra pairs of glasses for the community. Donation boxes were placed in the BCBSNE building. Local eye clinics heard about the drive and contributed additional pairs. The Possibilities ERG delivered over 300 pairs of glasses and will begin a second drive during the month of August.
“One of the purposes of our group is to share our mission by becoming involved in community activities,” said Possibilities ERG member Ginny Ashley. “I learned about the Lion’s Club glasses donation program and told our group. When we have a shared passion and goal, we are providing our community with better ways to live.”
The BCBSNE Wellness Committee focuses on supporting the entire well-being of all employees at BCBSNE. This ERG organized the company’s participation in the Food Bank for the Heartland’s Strike Out Hunger campaign during the month of June. Donations included a variety of food items, monetary funds and volunteers at the food bank. BCBSNE won first place in the division for meals per employee with 17,029 meals donated. 403,722 meals were raised for Heartland families in need through the campaign. BCBSNE also matched the first $1,000 donated by employees, and 29 individuals volunteered at the food bank between June 14 – 20.
“Leading this campaign is such a rewarding experience and a moment that makes me proud to be a part of Team Blue,” said Wellness Committee member Cayla Kelly. “We are truly making our mission an actional statement and changing lives in all we do for the community.”
Read more about the NLF Sight project on the NLF website.
Read more about the Strike Out Hunger campaign on the Food Bank for the Heartland website.
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