BAE Systems Delivers Cheer to Veterans with Cheeriodicals Comfort Kits
As Veterans Day approached, BAE Systems employees came together to show their appreciation for the sacrifices made by Veterans. In partnership with Cheeriodicals, the company packed and delivered comfort kits filled with essential items to Veterans in need.
Approximately 500 BAE Systems colleagues participated in either virtual or in-person team-building activities to pack the more than 500 Cheeriodicals comfort kits.
Cheeriodicals comfort kits are carefully curated with a thoughtful selection of essentials and comfort items, including:
- Convenience items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, and lip balm
- Cozy blankets for warmth and comfort
- Beverage tumblers to enjoy a favorite drink
- A copy of US Veterans Magazine, featuring stories and resources tailored to Veterans
- Activity books to provide entertainment and mental stimulation
These comfort kits are designed to bring a touch of comfort and joy to the lives of our nation’s heroes.
The local BAE Systems team from Huntsville, AL not only packed their Cheeriodicals during one of the team building activities, but also delivered those Cheeriodicals to Veterans in-person at the Huntsville, AL VA Clinic. This delivery team enthusiastically led the give-back effort and were able to interact with the Veteran outpatients, showing them how much they care for them.
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Huntsville VA Clinic Delivery
Nearly 100 more BAE Systems colleagues came together in-person in Cedar Rapids, IA, for a group team building activity to pack 100 Cheeriodicals for donation and delivery to Veterans at the Iowa City VA Healthcare System. Several of the BAE Systems employees even came out to the hospital to make this special delivery this year in-person, meet and greet Veterans, and thank them for their service to our country.
Iowa City VA Healthcare System Delivery
BAE Systems first worked with Cheeriodicals in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic to come together in a virtual format to volunteer and make a difference for Veterans. Cheeriodicals led a series of Zoom calls that brought together nearly 500 participants to not only personally pack the Cheeriodicals bags, but to also write encouragement notecards and share the experience with their teammates and even family members. Cheeriodicals shipped all the materials needed to each BAE Systems colleague’s home address so they had everything they needed to pack their comfort kit.
Once all the comfort kits were packed, personalized and completed, then the BAE Systems employees mailed their Cheeriodicals comfort kits to a pre-selected VA hospital where those bags were then distributed to Veterans in need.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the workplace in 2020, leaving many employees feeling disconnected and isolated. However, BAE Systems found a way to bridge the distance through a virtual team-building activity with Cheeriodicals. This innovative approach not only helped employees reconnect with each other but also enabled them to make a meaningful impact in their communities by supporting Veterans.
We received so many photos from BAE Systems colleagues as they worked from their homes, often with their spouses, kids and even pets in the team building activity mix. It was abundantly clear that these colleagues needed a way to connect with each other and coming together to help Veterans was the ideal way to foster that need of community.
Virtual Event Team Building Photos
In each of the years including and since 2020, the BAE Systems team has packed approximately 500 Cheeriodicals leading to more than 2,500 Cheeriodicals comfort kits donated to Veterans nationwide seeking a lift in their spirits. Those donation deliveries have reached Veterans in VA facilities in cities nationwide including: San Diego, CA; Austin, TX; Manchester, NH, Iowa City, IA; and Huntsville, AL, just to name a few.
At Cheeriodicals, one of our greatest joys is delivering smiles to America’s heroes – our Veterans. We’re forever grateful for their selfless service and sacrifices. We’re also thankful for partners like BAE Systems, who share our passion for honoring Veterans. Their commitment to supporting our mission enables us to create unforgettable donation experiences that bring joy to those who have given so much.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is a global defense, security, and aerospace company that delivers a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions, and customer support services.
About Cheeriodicals:
Cheeriodicals is a national corporate team-building company that provides a unique opportunity for companies to give back to their communities while boosting employee morale and engagement.