(Photo by Surya A on Unsplash)

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter distributed over 150 backpacks and school supplies during 8th Annual Backpack Give Away Event
In partnership with Friends of Southwest DC and OHL Education Foundation  

Washington, DC. – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter held its 8th annual Backpack Give Away on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, 11am-2pm.  A collaborative effort with Friends of Southwest DC and OHL Education Foundation, free backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to Southwest area families.

“This was the eighth year we have hosted Backpack Give Away, but this year is especially important as many of our local Southwest families’ financial situations were negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Bro. Jubria A. Lewis, President, Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter. “There are many different ways the Fraternity continues to be a resource for the Southwest community, and we’re pleased to be able to assist local families with access to much needed school supplies.”

The coronavirus pandemic also impacted how the backpacks were distributed. This year’s event was converted to a hybrid “drive-through,” where attendees were able to receive backpacks without leaving their vehicles, ensuring physically distanced interaction. Attendees without vehicles were also served in a socially distanced mask-enforced walk-up line.

“I’m pleased that we were able to take an innovative approach to serve our students and community members,” said Bro. William Johnson, Community Day Committee Chair. “We all are adjusting. And with some changes and strategic planning, our brotherhood is still able to produce events, such as the Backpack Give Away, that enable the fraternity to assist our community members much like we’ve done in the past.”

Given the shift to remote and hybrid learning, OHL educational partners overwhelmingly requested sanitizer and hygiene kits in addition to notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essential school supplies were included in the backpacks.

The chapter exceeded its plan to distribute 100 backpacks, providing 150 backpacks to community families.

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