Phoenix AKAs Combine Sewing with Service to Help Children in Need of Clothing

Submitted by Michelle Coro, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

What little girl doesn’t like the idea of getting a new dress designed just for her? That’s the idea behind the many volunteers who gathered at the Phoenix Urban League in downtown Phoenix on January 21 to match, cut, sew and embellish dresses with ribbons, buttons and bows that will be given to young girls from 6 to 10 years of age in needy nations.

The women of Delta Beta Omega’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. combined service with sewing in one fun activity as part of their organization’s national program day of service. Organizers said it was a wonderful opportunity pay attention to the needs of community both near and far.

“It’s not a day off, but it’s a day on,” said Dr. Eula Saxon-Dean, president of the Delta Beta Omega chapter of AKA. “And we’re so honored that our Madame Supreme, Glenda Glover has continued a project that is making a difference in the lives of other. Today we’ve spent our time putting together dresses for little girls and shirts for little boys so that we can send them to children who are in need. We look forward to continuing this project throughout the year and we hope that other chapters are enjoying the fun as much as we are. It’s been a blessing for each one of us.”

Ladies donning pink and green brought their daughters, sons, and significant others to help with the project. From cutting out patterns to setting up sewing machines, all were welcome. The Global Impact target is designed to enhance the international footprint of the sorority. By participating in the Pillowcase Project, not only will chapters continue to make dresses for little girls, but they will also expand the sorority’s efforts to include shirts for little boys. The pillowcase dresses and shirts will be sent to Haiti to provide clothing for children in need. Members of Delta Beta Omega made donations of fabric and sewing materials, but with a bit of ingenuity, added the use of pre-made tee-shirts to widen the scope of outfits.

The event also incorporated service for a second program target focusing on Women’s Healthcare and Wellness, Care for the Caregivers. Volunteers created cards of appreciation to meet the goal to place emphasis on taking care of those who take care of others. Chapters plan to emphasize the need to caregivers to practice preventative healthcare as well as self-care behavior to eliminate the vulnerabilities and risks associated with the stress of caregiving.

Additional program targets of the national organization include:

• HBCU for Life: A Call to Action that focuses on education with an emphasis on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
• Building Your Economic Legacy, which places an emphasis on financial planning, asset accumulation, and wealth building including savings and investments, managing debt, and improving credit.
• The Arts exposing students to arts enrichment and culture by focusing on visual and performing arts and by showcasing talent through the exploration of writers, entertainers and various other artists.

Delta Beta Omega hosts numerous events throughout the year that the public is encouraged to attend, including an upcoming Pink goes Red event on on February 2 that will focus on fitness, CPR and breast exams. The group is also known for the Fashionetta event held in December, which supports scholarships and community programs.