Independence Blue Cross Plants Boots on the Ground at Saint John’s Hospice’s Annual ‘Boot Up Philly’
Never underestimate the power of an hour.
In record timing, 1,350 pairs of new boots, 1,500 new coats, and more than 7,300 food items were provided to 1,900 vulnerable individuals at Saint John’s Hospice’s (SJH) fifth-annual Boot Up Philly giveaway on a brisk Saturday morning, October 25. One group in particular has been integral to the success.
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) not only sponsored Boot Up Philly for the third year – the organization’s volunteer group, the Blue Crew, planted boots on the ground to help with preparation and day-of service. The day before, 60-plus Blue Crew volunteers met at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Center City Philadelphia, organized new boots and community donations in pods, and made 1250 turkey and cheese sandwiches that were served on Saturday.
“We have always been about helping and addressing those who are unhoused,” said Marie Gillespie, Community Affairs Manager of IBX. “We are always asking, ‘What can we do? How do we handle this?’”
The relationship between IBX and SJH, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, started in 2015. Blue Crew members would come to SJH’s residence for men experiencing homelessness on 12th and Race Street once a month and serve dinner to the residents and surrounding community members.
A decade later, IBX still supports SJH on a quarterly basis – from helping the kitchen crew serve lunch for an hour to supporting initiatives like Boot Up Philly.
“SJH has always been one of the strongest initiatives we support,” said Gillespie. “They’re our neighbors.”
Gillespie said that the IBX’s multicultural men’s group now chooses a community nonprofit to focus on each year. This is the second consecutive year that SJH was chosen.
“The mission of IBX is the health and well-being of the communities we live and work in … something that SJH is very much aligned with.”
Sean Sanders of IBX’s informatics team did not hesitate to answer the call to volunteer with setup for Boot Up Philly.
“It makes me feel good,” Sanders said. “Outside of just giving health insurance to people who need it, we’re also helping the community in other ways they have needs. [Boot Up Philly] is one of the ways I give to the community outside of work and, it’s really uplifting. It helps as being part of one city.”
Barry Martin, SJH Program Director, said that IBX’s help was especially crucial this year, as the need has become more emergent for hundreds of thousands of Philadelphians amid the longest federal government shutdown in American history.
“There’s been no telling what tomorrow will look like, and that’s been a scary reality for a lot of our struggling community members. IBX’s teamwork has been very much appreciated during this critical time of need, and we look forward to future opportunities of collaboration.”
Sometimes one hour is all it takes to make a meaningful impact. Just ask IBX.
“It’s easy to get involved with SJH,” said Gillespie. “Whether it’s making and freezing casseroles, dropping off winter clothing, organizing a coat drive, or helping out at Boot Up Philly … there is always a way to give back.”
Saint John’s Hospice, a program of Catholic Charites of Philadelphia, is a nationally recognized leader in providing essential residential and day services, acting as a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness. For more information about volunteering or to make a donation, visit www.saintjohnshospice.org.