At American Airlines, our mission of supporting people on life’s journey was brought to life through a meaningful initiative led by the Indian Employee Business Resource Group (IEBRG). This group is dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity by amplifying Indian voices, fostering inclusivity, and nurturing the spirit of our communities.
On January 23, 2025, the energy at American Corporate Building SV8 was buzzing with a sense of community, purpose, and giving back. To celebrate the New Year and 76th Indian Republic Day, AA IEBRG (Indian Employee Business Resource Group) hosted our 2nd Annual PB&J Sandwich Drive for those experiencing homelessness in Dallas—an initiative that brings together volunteers to create simple yet meaningful meals for those in need.
After last year’s incredible success, this year’s drive surpassed expectations, leaving a lasting impact on both the participants and the recipients of our efforts.
Event Details
Here’s the scoop on what went down:
- Where: 1 Skyview Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76155 (SV8 Building)
- When: Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- In Coordination Charities2love.
- Goal : 1200 PBJ sandwiches with handwritten positive affirmation notes
The Inspiration Behind the Drive
The PB&J Sandwich Drive is more than just an event; it’s a tangible way to show compassion and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich may seem like a small gesture, but for those in need, it provides a moment of comfort and nourishment. By pairing each sandwich with a handwritten note, we aimed to add a personal touch that conveyed empathy and solidarity.
The delicious sandwiches, accompanied by handwritten messages of hope from participants, were received by Evan White from Austin Street Center. Austin Street Center operates an inclement weather camp at Fair Park in the DFW area, providing essential care and support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.
Setting the Stage for Success
With an goal of preparing 1,200 sandwiches and handwritten notes, we called upon our American Airlines family to join the cause. The response was overwhelming. Volunteers from across departments registered for the event, bringing their enthusiasm, teamwork, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Our workspace in SV8—Rooms AB 12 and 22—were transformed into a hub of activity and camaraderie.
From the moment volunteers walked into the room, they were greeted with the warm smiles of Charities2love Leaders & IEBRG Officers and the aroma of fresh bread, peanut butter, and jelly.
Long tables were set up with supplies meticulously arranged: loaves of bread, jars of peanut butter, jelly, sandwich bags, and stacks of stationery for handwritten notes. In addition, each station was designed to streamline the sandwich-making process while fostering a sense of collaboration.
The Drive in Action
The event officially kicked off at 12:00 PM, with a brief overview of the process. Participants quickly got to work, forming assembly lines to maximize efficiency. One group focused on spreading peanut butter and jelly, another packed the sandwiches into bags, and a third group penned heartfelt messages to accompany each meal.
The handwritten notes were a particularly touching aspect of the drive. Volunteers wrote words of encouragement, hope, and kindness, ensuring each note conveyed a message of care. Some notes included inspirational quotes, while others shared personal stories or simple reminders that the recipients were not alone.
All this action was accompanied with popular Bollywood music in the background to create a festive & joyous atmosphere.
Moments That Stood Out
The drive was filled with moments that underscored the power of community and shared purpose. Here are just a few highlights:
- Team Spirit: Departments that typically collaborate on work projects came together to support a greater cause. The teamwork and camaraderie were palpable, with colleagues cheering each other on and even engaging in friendly competitions to see who could make the most sandwiches.
- Surpassing Goals: By the end of the drive, we had not only met but exceeded our goal, creating 1,350 sandwiches and handwritten notes.
- Many contributed donations of soft, chewable snacks as requested, adding extra treats to brighten their day.
Reflection and Gratitude
The PB&J Sandwich Drive is a reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose. It’s not just about the sandwiches or the notes: it’s about the human connection and the willingness to extend a hand to those in need.
The drive left all of us—volunteers, organizers, and recipients—feeling uplifted and inspired.
A heartfelt thank-you go out to everyone who participated, Charities2love and to the IEBRG volunteers & Officers who gave their time and energy in coordinating every detail to ensure the event’s success. Your efforts embody the values of community, compassion, and service.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of this year’s PB&J Sandwich Drive, we’re already looking forward to next year’s event. Our hope is to inspire even more people to join us in this meaningful initiative. Together, we can continue to make a difference—one sandwich at a time.
If you missed this year’s drive but would like to get involved in future events, stay tuned! Check for announcements or visit Charities2Love for upcoming volunteer opportunities. We welcome all hands and hearts to join us in making an impact.
