I CARE is a campaign at Symetra that highlights different employees on the ways that they give back to their community and support nonprofits that are important to them.

KidVantage – DeAnne Dodson, Senior Manager, IT Operations

KidVantage, formerly “Eastside Baby Corner,” a Washington-based organization with locations in Issaquah, Shoreline and Bremerton, helps children have what they need to grow, play, learn and thrive. They do this by providing essential care, safety, and health goods for children who are experiencing the stresses of economic insecurity, systemic inequities, or family disruption.

Tell us why you care about this nonprofit

KidVantage partners with other organizations (such as: Hopelink, Kindering, School Districts, Tulalip and Snoqualmie Tribes…to name just a few) to provide what they need to create an environment where they have what they need to build their own foundation to become who they want to be. The work that KidVantage does is behind the scenes. Partner agencies and organizations work directly with kids and their familes to determine the needs, then place orders with KidVantage fulfill those requests. Each and every year the needs grow and KidVantage is committed to fill each and every order received.

In 2022, KidVantage supplied: 2.000 Car Seats, 2.8 million Diaper Wipes, provided almost 2 million diapers to families in need in the greater Pacific Northwest areas that we serve. In addition to the main distribution hub in Issaquah, we’ve expanded operations into Shoreline to service Snohomish County, Kent to support South King County and continue to build our presence in Bremerton to support Kitsap County.

How do you engage with them?

I have been involved with KidVantage, for over 25 years. I joined the Board of Directors in 2020 and currently fill the role as Development Committee Chair. I am a frequent volunteer and actively involved with fundraising efforts. Symetra is a named sponsor at the annual fundraising luncheon and thru our Parents Connect ERG, actively involved in competing in the annual “Diaper Derby” an event where local companies compete against each other to donate much needed diapers and wipes to KidVantage.