The mission, which houses dozens of children, relies heavily on donations. With the school year starting on Thursday in Cabell County, the shelter found itself short on school supplies.
“We were able to provide a lot of the kids with the supplies they needed,” said Glenna Wells, head of the city mission’s children’s program. “But we were still in need of a lot more. With some kids going into elementary school and others going into high school, it can get pretty expensive.”
The fraternity brought book bags, notebooks, binders, pencils and calculators, as well as other school supplies, for around 20 children who were in need.
“When we found out about the shortage on school supplies, we knew right away we wanted to help out,” said Malcolm Walton, Marshall University graduate student and Kappa Alpha Psi member. “We didn’t just want to come here and hand out the supplies and then leave. We wanted to let the kids know that we value education and that making the most of your education is how you can change your circumstances.”
In addition to handing out school supplies, the fraternity also provided food and games for the children.
“It’s nice to get a younger crowd around here for a change,” Wells said. “We get a lot of volunteers, but I really think the reason the kids had such a great time is because a group of young guys showed up just to hang out with them, play some games and make sure they have everything needed to do well this school year. I this this will stick with them for a long time.”
Members of the Epsilon Delta Chapter and the Huntington Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi participated on Monday.
Later this month, the fraternity will host its biannual “A New PerspeKtive” event at Huntington Middle School. The event aims to provide teenagers with a fresh outlook on education, respect and leadership.
For additional information, please contact Tony L. Jernigan II at 681-203-4204.
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Photo: Members of Marshall University’s Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. handed out back-to-school supplies Monday evening to the children at the Huntington City Mission and stayed to visit.