Thank you to all of you who have made it possible for us to #StandStrong for so many different causes that are close to our hearts this year! 

When jb and me had a vision for a #StandStrong campaign, it was a way for us to get involved in our community. We wanted to partner with local organizations in order to promote local business, causes, and to aid in making a difference around our community. Because of loyal customers like YOU we have been able to work with some amazing organizations that expanded our reach even more than right outside our doors! Together, we've been able to be a part of things that are larger than ourselves. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for helping us to #StandStrong against human trafficking, children's hunger, the orphan cycle, and to stand for animal adoption, single teen mothers and their babies, and for love, relationships, acceptance, and grace. 

Here is a short recap of what you've helped us to accomplish so far this year. We can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings! If you have an organization that is close to your heart, we want to know! Email info@jbandme.com or call one of our locations and let us know how we can help! Holland: 616.392.8902 Grand Rapids: 616.949.9501.

January • Songs Against Slavery: We worked with Songs Against Slavery to help promote their efforts to end human trafficking. The organization which was co-founded by one of our own employees, Grace Theisen, and her friend Lauren, uses music and speakers to educate community members on the problem with sex trafficking in our own backyards. To read more about their organization, click here. 

 February • Februhairy Pet Adoption Event: In February we brought back our ever popular pet photo contest and got to see all of your adorable furry friends!! We also hosted a pet adoption event with the Harbor Humane Society and Mackenzie's Animal Shelter to promote pet adoption. You brought in dog and cat toys, treats, and supplies to help them keep up with their animals' needs. Our friend Bandit even found his forever home at our adoption event!!! Congratulations to the Vondracek's! For more information on this event, click here.

March • YoungLives Shopping Event: We hosted a shopping event in March for the YoungLives organization, a division of YoungLife that reaches teen moms through mentoring, counseling, and teaching them essential life skills. Our shopping day was a huge success thanks to you! So many teen moms in our area will be able to spend a week at Timberwolf Lake with their babies encouraging one another and living in community. To find out more about YoungLives, click here. 

April • Kids Food Basket: During the month of April, you came in and decorated hundreds of lunch baskets that were then filled with a healthy, balanced meal and distributed to children at our local schools who might not otherwise receive a meal at dinner. You also pledged to help us end childhood hunger by making a yearly donation to Kids Food Basket that will feed a child for an entire year!! We are so lucky to have an organization in our community like Kids Food Basket that impacts little ones in our area. To find out more about them, click here. 

May • I'mME: After one of our employees, Kasidee, went on a trip to Haiti with the I'mME organization she came back so eager to share their story! I'mME is a non-profit organization that seeks to end the orphan cycle in Haiti by care, prevention, and stewardship. They also just finished their first semester of the After School Program that taught art, theatre, sewing, dance, sports, and music to over 200 kids in the community. You donated to their organization in return for a special scratch-off card and are now part of the reason why these children in Haiti can flourish!! To hear more about I'mME's story, and Kasidee's experience click here.