Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota associates wrapped up 2024 with two opportunities to give back to local communities.

Blue Cross’ African American Professionals Network (AAPN) and Caregivers Network Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) collaborated to host a Winter Coat Drive to support the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul.

In total, Blue Cross associates donated and delivered more than 80 coats and more than 100 gloves, scarves, hats, boots and other winter accessories for families in need.

Tom Noon, a Financial Analyst with Blue Cross and Chair of the AAPN, said the group has been partnering for five years with Hallie Q. Brown, whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the community by providing access to critical human services, fostering and promoting personal growth, and developing community leadership. “It’s wonderful to see Blue Cross associates participate in this drive and continue to lift up the communities of the members we serve.”

“Growing up in Minnesota, I know firsthand how harsh winters can be, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to help ensure families in the community stay warm and have access to essential winter gear,” says Ashley Pattain, an Operations Analyst at Blue Cross and Chair the Caregivers Network ARG. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts can make such a meaningful difference in someone’s day-to-day life.”

With Blue Cross’ hybrid work model, organizers utilized a new tool, the Amazon Wishlist, to ensure every associate has an opportunity to participate. Associates could purchase items through the Wishlist from home, which were then collected and delivered directly to Hallie Q. Brown.

“By prioritizing accessibility and convenience, we’ve seen fantastic engagement and generosity, helping us deliver even greater support to Hallie Q. Brown and the community they serve,” Pattain says.

Blue Cross associates also participated in a toy drive for Urban Ventures, which works to address opportunity gaps in academics, nutrition, physical activity, parenting resources, and more—all with the overarching goal to prepare and send every youth to college or prepare them for other postsecondary educational opportunities.

Toys were collected and delivered to Urban Ventures so parents and guardians in need could select a free toy that will bring their child joy during the holiday season.

So many gifts were donated that Urban Ventures was not only able to provide gifts for each child, but also additional gifts for siblings and even distribute toys to a group of moms in another program.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! It's difficult to express how much of a blessing it is to be able to provide this for the hardworking families we serve,” says Luke Trouton, Director of Development at Urban Ventures. “I'm so grateful for your continued partnership and looking forward to next year already!"

Every year, associates from across Blue Cross participate in the company's VPTO (volunteer paid time off) program, which supports volunteer activities during regular work hours. In 2023, nearly 14,000 volunteer hours were donated by associates to charitable organizations.