Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Partners with USO to Build and Deliver 100 Bikes to Military Children

In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is partnering with USO North Carolina to build and deliver 100 bicycles for military children throughout the Research Triangle area.

Military Appreciation Month is a month-long celebration, providing the American public an opportunity to embrace the history of our armed forces as well as recognizing the diversity of its individuals and achievements. Volunteers from both Blue Cross NC and USO NC will construct the bicycles from the safety of their homes. The bicycles will be distributed to military families beginning Friday, May 14 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and again on Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the USO North Carolina’s state office located in Morrisville, at 600 Airport Blvd., suite 200.

“Blue Cross NC employees are excited to collaborate with USO North Carolina to show appreciation for our state’s military community,” said Cheryl Parquet, director of community engagement and marketing activation at Blue Cross NC. “It is our mission to support the health and wellbeing of all North Carolinians, and that includes our brave service members and their families. We look forward to these bikes providing a source of exercise, and more importantly, an outlet for children to have fun.”

This is the sixth year Blue Cross NC has supported USO’s Bike Build initiative, totaling over 800 bikes built by its employees for military children.

“We are delighted to work together with Blue Cross NC in celebrating our military community during Military Appreciation Month,” said Kelli Willoughby, Executive Director, USO North Carolina. “As military supporters, it is our duty to strengthen and support those who serve, including their families. This bicycle build allows the USO and our partners to give more than thanks to our deserving service members and their children as part of Military Appreciation Month, and we are grateful for Blue Cross NC’s support.”

For questions please contact USO NC’s Ryan Hodge via email rhodge@uso.org

About the USO: The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort and support. The USO is a private nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable. We have been driving better health in North Carolina since 1933, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.