Allyson Edge | Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Flickr User Artem Beliaikin
The Hampton University Department of Education, in partnership with the Norfolk, Hampton and Suffolk chapters of the Links, Inc., hosted a pop-up boutique Nov. 1 for the 46 students in the Hampton University community from the University of the Bahamas.
The Links, Incorporated is an international organization that was established in 1946. The Links is one of the nation’s oldest volunteer programs committed to enriching the African American community through services to youth, the arts, National Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. Every year, Links contributes more than 1 million community service hours.
At the pop-up boutique on Hampton University’s campus, donated winter clothing was available for the students to take and wear in the winter months ahead. Clothing items such as sweaters, hats, scarves, jackets and gloves were available for the students. The purpose of the event was to acknowledge the people who were instrumental in organizing the donations and to show their consideration to these students who are not accustomed to the cold weather due to the tropical Bahamian climate.
Anthony Stubbs, a freshman chemical engineering major and student from the University of the Bahamas, said: “So far, our time at Hampton has been good mentally and physically. I met new people. Our teachers are helpful and understanding of our situation.”
According to Stubbs, the main message the students received from the members of the Links, Inc. was that they are “happy that we’re here and want to know how we’re doing. Also, to make sure that we’re being treated well. As you can see, they fed and clothed us, knowing that we came here with little winter clothing.”
Martha Hall, the head of the Hampton University Department of Education, said, “We are still taking donations of warm clothing, pants, jackets, and they can be dropped off at the Department of Education.” Any warm clothing that is in good condition to donate would be much appreciated to support these members of our community.
The Hampton Script 