As a kickoff to the launch of Benefit Allocation System’s focus on Community Service program, BAS participated in the Valley Youth House Backpack Challenge. From August 12th to September 10th BAS employees selected SwissGear Laptop backpacks and filled them with scientific calculators, journals, calendars, gift cards, highlighters, binders, folders, water bottles, index cards, pens/pencils and other items for foster care youths, ages 16-21 entering high school and college. BAS employees also added notes to the backpacks, encouraging students to achieve success in school.
BAS President, Art Taylor, was pleased with the result of the first Focus on Community Service Event. “We are committed to giving back to our community,” said Taylor. “The BAS team worked together to have a positive impact on local youth”.
Valley Youth House began in 1973 in the Lehigh Valley and since then has grown tremendously with offices also in Philadelphia and Norristown. Their mission is to empower and strengthen the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence.
The Backpack Challenge was definitely a success for BAS and many thanks to BAS employee Donna Michalko for leading the challenge in the office. Valley Youth House had said that the backpacks were “Awesome” and they thanked BAS for their donation. They also remarked “it is evident that a lot of care went into the backpacks. I know the youth will be incredibly thankful. They loved the notes especially, and the fact that the bags included everything on the wish list.”
