Nearly 1,000 Back-to-School Supplies Donated to Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York employees collected nearly 1,000 back-to-school supplies for local organization Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo.

The local health plan has long supported the organization’s annual “2 Pack a BackPack Challenge.” This year, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s back-to-school-supplies drive was hosted virtually using YouGiveGoods, making it convenient for employees to visit the site to purchase an assortment of needed school supplies. Donated items are shipped directly to the Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo and then distributed to local families in need.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo is grateful for the exceptional support we received from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York employees! We know it truly takes a village and their team came through in a big way for all our members,” said Deanna Rusek, Director of Grants and Communications, Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. “Now, hundreds of kids will hit the ground running well-prepared for the next school year.”

This support is in addition to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employees recent $80,000 donation to 16 local organizations recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees also sent thousands of healthy snack-packs and meals to those serving on the frontlines of the pandemic.

“Giving back to the community is part of who we are as a community-based, not-for-profit health plan,” said Michael Edbauer, D.O., President, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. “We’re proud of the way our employees continuously step up to support our community.”

These efforts are separate and apart from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s corporate giving program, which saw investments of more than $6 million in 2020 between community sponsorships and Blue Fund grants.

Visit bcbswny.com/community to learn more about Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.