Bell Family Blue Bag Program

Humanitarian program allowing hunters and SCI members to deliver donations to communities in need during domestic and international travel. Members fill blue bags with donated items and deliver them during hunting trips or local service.

Geographic Scope:

• International (South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Argentina)
• Domestic (United States local communities)

Focus Areas:

• Humanitarian aid
• Community support
• Orphanages and children's facilities
• Rescue communities
• Schools and educational programs
• Homeless support (e.g., Veterans H.E.A.R.T. Resource Center, Robin's Home transitional housing)
• Food assistance programs (e.g., Kids Weekend Backpack Program)

Types of Donations Accepted:

• Children's clothing and shoes
• Personal care items
• Medical supplies
• Toys and treats
• Food items
• Educational materials
• School supplies

Program Background: Started by the Bell Family, managed by SCIF since 2008 and beyond. Long-standing partnership enabling direct impact delivery.

How It Works:

1. Hunters/members contact SCIF to request blue bags
2. Fill bags with needed donations
3. Coordinate with local contacts at destination
4. Deliver bags and see direct impact
5. SCIF helps coordinate distribution to organizations

Contact Information:

• Armando Gutierrez, Executive Assistant, Volunteer Services, [email protected]
• Phone: 210-512-4967

Success Stories:

• Emily Stull's trips to South Africa (2021, 2024) - delivered to orphanages, rescue communities, schools
• SCI Pittsburgh Chapter - delivered to Veterans H.E.A.R.T. Resource Center and Butler County School District (2024/2025)
• Multiple international deliveries across Africa and South America

How to Participate

1. Contact SCIF: Reach out to request blue bags for your trip
   • Email: [email protected]
   • Phone: 210-512-4967
   • Contact: Armando Gutierrez, Executive Assistant
2. Prepare: Fill blue bags with donations
   • Coordinate with friends, family, and organizations for donations
   • Include items like:
   • Children's clothing and shoes
   • Personal care items
   • Medical supplies
   • Toys and treats
   • Needed resources for target communities
3. Plan Delivery: Work with SCIF and local contacts at destination
   • SCIF will help coordinate with organizations
   • Identify receptive organizations (orphanages, schools, rescue communities, etc.)
   • Plan visit logistics
4. Deliver: Visit organization and personally deliver bags
   • Take photos and document impact
   • Connect with recipients
   • Share experience
5. Share Story: Report back to SCIF about impact and experience
   • Help inspire other hunters to participate
   • Demonstrate hunter philanthropy

For SCI Chapters

Chapters can use program for both international hunting trips and local community support:

• Identify local needs (homeless support, food assistance, etc.)
• Fill blue bags with community-specific items
• Distribute through local organizations

Contact Information

• Name: Armando Gutierrez
• Title: Executive Assistant, Volunteer Services
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 210-512-4967