Each year since we have been in business, our firm has given back to our community in some way, usually through food drives or gift donations. Giving back is a gift in itself and it allows us to recognize how fortunate we all are – how often we take basic items such as clothing or a hot meal for granted. This summer, we at Bailey wanted to reach out in a different way.

Philadelphia’s Northern Home for Children, located in Roxborough, PA, gave us the honor of joining them for a few days this past July. Our team worked with about 20 boys ages 7-11, first by tutoring them in reading and math. Then it was volleyball time. Kevin, the Northern Home program director, patiently and encouragingly went through the rules of the game with the boys (and us!) and emphasized the importance of teamwork. Soon, the ball was flying this way and that. After every successful volley, the kids ran up, offering high-fives for my impressive skills. The excitement and appreciation of these kids was incredibly uplifting, and I knew this was a day I would never forget.

While some of the Bailey team continued to play games with the kids, including basketball and floor hockey, others worked on the construction of an inspirational mural alongside the wall of the basketball court. The mural was inspired by the wonderful values that Northern Home seeks to instill in each child. The mural concept was a vision of Tracey McCaffrey a member of our design staff and then brought to life through an enthusiastic and talented group of Bailey staffers.  We had a mission and a very tight [2 day] deadline!

When the mural was complete and the day had come to an end, we all grouped together one last time to talk about our day and say our goodbyes. One by one, the boys thanked us for the time we had spent with them. However, I speak for everyone here at Bailey when I say that The Northern Home for Children gifted us that day, and this experience is one for which Bailey Brand Consulting will always be grateful.