Members of the Delta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority distributed 80 laundry baskets filled with household items to Metro East homeless shelters and social service agencies on June 18 as part of the chapter’s 80th anniversary observance.
The “80 Baskets of Blessings” project was designed to mark the East St. Louis chapter’s 80th year of service. The baskets were delivered to several organizations that assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or other hardships.
The baskets contained bed linens, towels, dishes, kitchen utensils, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.
Chapter leaders said the project is one of several community service activities planned during the anniversary year. The initiatives align with Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national programs, which focus on strengthening families and communities, financial literacy, social justice, environmental stewardship and sisterhood.
Founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was established by St. Louis native Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. The organization was the first Greek-letter sorority founded by African American college women.
The Delta Delta Omega Chapter has more than 200 members and is one of six graduate chapters in the St. Louis region.
The chapter also partnered with Illinois state Sen. Christopher Belt on a community Shred Day event June 13 at East St. Louis Senior High School.
Residents were invited to bring documents containing personal information for secure disposal. Items accepted included bank statements, outdated medical records, tax returns, bills, credit card applications, junk mail and receipts.
According to organizers, hundreds of pounds of documents were collected and shredded during the event to help reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud.
The basket distribution and Shred Day event are among several activities planned as the chapter commemorates its 80th anniversary this year.