The team helps collect new backpacks and school supplies for low-income students, who make up 40% of the Everett Public Schools district.
This August, the foundation needs to supply and fill a record-breaking 1,920 backpacks. A $2,000 grant will purchase 700 of these.
Above: Pictured from L-R are McClain Insurance Services team members Laura Paradis, Caitlin Klosterman, Ashley Abrams, Ann Franklin, and Nick Pembroke stand in the McClain Insurance office with a small portion of donations collected during the 2018 Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive.
McClain Insurance Owner, Claudia McClain and Abbey Roosendaal present a $2,000 check to Everett Public Schools Foundation Executive Director, Kay Fantin.
McClain Insurance Services in Everett, Washington, has been named a Safeco Change Agent—earning a $2,000 donation from Safeco to the Everett Public Schools Foundation, which builds community support and invests resources to inspire innovation, excellence and achievement for all students in the school district. Agency president Claudia McClain and all McClain Insurance employees support the annual “Stuff the Bus” drive, as well as several additional fundraisers and events. Here, McClain shares the agency’s giving story.
We love all of our clients, but ever since our agency was founded, McClain Insurance has had a soft spot for educators and those working in our schools: We used to drop off platters of cookies, fresh fruit, and other treats at faculty lounges! Over time, though, as our company expanded and the school district’s needs grew, we knew we wanted to have a greater impact. Now, we’ve been a financial partner and supporter of the Everett Public Schools Foundation for more than a dozen years.
Our entire team—nine employees, along with many of our spouses and children—plays a role, especially when it comes to the annual “Stuff the Bus” drive every August. Nearly 40% of the students in the district come from low-income families, and this initiative helps them start the school year with new backpacks and the right supplies.
Always a team effort
We support the foundation in many ways; I’m a current member of the board and have served as its president. But it’s always been a total team effort—and we really go all-in for Stuff the Bus, promoting it in our newsletter, on Facebook, and also on our high-visibility video sign. Our office is a collection point for donated supplies, and we often volunteer at other drop-off locations in the community. (People also can donate a backpack or supplies at https://supplyallkids.com/#/donate/epsf.) Of course, we stuff backpacks as well, and many of our generous clients have gotten involved, too.
This year, the foundation’s goal is 1,920 backpacks. With the help of Safeco’s $2,000 grant, along with a matching donation from our agency, I’m confident we’ll get there.
All about community engagement
We are big believers in giving back to the community that has been responsible for our growth and success over the past 42 years. In fact, we don’t even have a traditional marketing budget—instead, we invest in educational safety campaigns, giving efforts, and providing every McClain Insurance employee with 16 paid hours per year to volunteer.
Any company can make a difference, and you don’t have to start big, either. Just find a cause that means something to you and get involved! Help publicize fundraising events. Recognize others who are giving back. Volunteer and donate what you can, even if it’s only a little at first. It still can have a huge impact—on you, your team, and most important, your community.