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Through our Commitment to our Community initiative, PPO USA team members adopt and support charities in the Kansas City area every year. In 2018, our team worked with Blair’s Foster Socks, which was created in honor of Blair Michaela Shanahan Lane, who was killed at age 11 by a stray bullet shot from a firearm during a nearby July 4th celebration. Blair’s mother, Michele, advocates for children in distressed situations by encouraging thousands to donate socks, clothing and other basic necessities to children in need, particularly in the foster system.

“At Blair’s Foster Socks, we do more than hand out socks for kids,” Michele said. “Our mission is to bring comfort and hope to children in distressed situations in Kansas City and beyond. When you donate a simple pair of fun socks for a child to call their own, the child is reassured that tomorrow will be a better day.”

This was the third year that PPO USA has adopted Blair’s Foster Socks. We were able to donate over 700 pairs of socks. “The story of Blair’s Foster Socks touched our hearts, seeing how passionate Blair was about helping others and how she was taken too soon,” said Shanea Lee, National Accounts Support Specialist. “True joy lies in the act of giving without an expectation of receiving something in return. The potential for strengthening people and our community through giving back to society is huge and something that we all need to consider looking into.”

The PPO USA team also donated their time to the Ronald McDonald Family Room. The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City is a special place where families can rest and still be close to their child. The Family Room offers a comfortable home-like setting, including a living room area with a television, a fully equipped kitchen and a quiet room for conversation and phone calls. The Family Room has seven bedrooms for napping, showers and a laundry facility. PPO USA team members prepare and serve lunch to parents and family members who have a child being cared for at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

“I try to do everything I can to support Ronald McDonald House, whether it’s collecting pop tabs, attending events or helping the families,” said Joy Dendish, National Operations Manager. “They were there for my family during a difficult time, and it is rewarding to be able to help others to ease some of their stress.”

Positive change begins with healthy activity and diet. When in-the-moment stressors get the better of you, it helps to have a stable of stress-busting techniques to turn to for relief. Stress Less: Tips to tame tension and stay healthy from PPO USA will help you safeguard your health by managing stress in your daily life.