Polyconcept North America (PCNA)—parent company of suppliers Leed’s (PPAI 112361, S13), Bullet (PPAI 113079, S12), Journalbooks (PPAI 110769, S10), Trimark (PPAI 198982, S10) and ETS Express (PPAI 135148, S11)—is partnering with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to help children affected by school closures in the region as for some, school often provided their only nutritious meal of the day.

The food bank was providing children with grab-and-go meals to help fill the need. But PCNA, one of the largest employers in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, saw an opportunity to surprise the children with something extra at the meal-distribution sites: gift bags featuring an activity book, colored pencils and a teddy bear. Distribution of the gift bags at 15 locations in and around Pittsburgh began April 30 and concluded on May 4.

Polyconcept CEO Neil Ringel says the joint effort with the food bank is simply a way to do some good at a difficult time. “During the COVID-19 crisis, our PCNA Cares program has provided donations of masks, hand sanitizers and other products to multiple first-responder organizations around the Pittsburgh area,” Ringel says. “We see this partnership with the food bank as an extension of those efforts, as we try to bring some joy to local children who may be missing their friends and looking for something fun to do while staying safe.”

Inclusion of the teddy bear was inspired by scavenger hunts that have been happening around the world in the wake of social distancing guidelines. People put the stuffed animals in the window of their homes, and families take neighborhood walks or car rides to see how many teddy bears they can spot.

Lauren Babich, child nutrition outreach manager at the food bank, says she is hopeful it will all bring a smile to children and their families. “This is a challenging time for the people we serve,” she says. “We are grateful to provide meals to families and now to offer them something extra and fun, thanks to the generosity of PCNA.”