On Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® – Beta Chi Omega Chapter delivered 50 Blessing Bags and blankets to the Rescue Mission with additional donations being delivered to the Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter for Women and Sabrina’s Place.
Beta Chi Omega’s Spring 2021 Line Sisters completed a service project called “Shining a Light on our Community” by collecting and distributing “Blessing Bag” items from local Black and other businesses to distribute to residents in the Rescue Mission hotel and their over-night facility here in Roanoke. The blessing bags contained female toiletries, inspirational tracks, and yoga-exercise bookmarks.
The tradition of new line Sisters completing a service project demonstrates a legacy of service and social activism that addresses community needs. The “Blessing Bag” project supports Women’s Healthcare and Wellness, which is one of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s five, international targets. It primarily focuses on breast cancer awareness and prevention, heart health, nutrition, and wellness, and care for the caregivers.
The new initiates were shining a light on local businesses by asking them to serve as collection and drop-off locations. This enabled donors to visit the businesses, possibly for the first time, and donate items to fill the blessing bags.
Drop-off locations included: The Sweet Spot, Inspired to Enhance, Culture Ethnic Shop, LLC, Blessed by God, Unique Styles, Sister2Sister Boutique, Noah-Christian Academy, Small Steps Learning Academy (Apperson Location), The Humble Hustle Company, Inc., and Food Lion (Peters Creek Road location).
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® is an international, service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. The local chapter, Beta Chi Omega, is dedicated to implementing AKA’s programs and providing services in our communities that improve people’s quality of life. Katina Hamlar is local chapter’s current president.
