Shining a Light on Great Partnerships

Working together to achieve a common goal is key to making great communities.

Oct. 25^th was Lights on Afterschool Day, a national day of awareness and celebration around the role afterschool programs play in the lives of children. Among all our fantastic work in afterschool, Operation Shoestring included a spotlight on one of our long-time community partners, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi. Team Blue, a group of Blue Cross’s dynamic volunteers created an obstacle course, relay race, and hula hooping stations. Kids, parents, volunteers, and staff all had a phenomenal time navigating the fun-filled activities. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi’s Team Blue community service program provides opportunities for employees to work together on a variety of community service projects throughout the year. Employees collectively volunteered more than 3,600 hours of donated time in 2017 at a host of organizations and events in the metro area and across Mississippi.

This organization’s efforts are felt throughout many organizations in our state, including, thankfully, at Operation Shoestring. As we celebrate 50 years of service to our community, we’ve embarked on a major renovation project that’ll result in a state-of-the-art building andgreenspace for our kids, family, and community.

And Blue Cross has been vital in making this renovation a reality through volunteer support and a $500,000 financial contribution. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi is helping Operation Shoestring improve the quality of life for children and families throughout central Jackson. Team Blue even helped kick off the project by starting the demolition of one of the walls in our Bailey Avenue location.

“Operation Shoestring is helping to transform lives in the Jackson area,” said Sheila Grogan, vice president, community and public relations for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi. “Their commitment to the children and communities they serve aligns with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi’s focus on holistically improving the health of Mississippians, and it’s our privilege to partner with an organization who shares these values.”

We all rise together is more than just a tagline at Operation Shoestring. It serves as a guiding light as we navigate through the work of serving kids and families. Our kids, families and entire Operation Shoestring community is so grateful to work with groups like Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi—and people like you! — who not only share our values but are also willing to do the work it takes to invest in the success of our children and your community.