The children’s eyes were on the prize: brand new backpacks filled with goodies.
North Carolina A& T State University graduate student Martez Finch bent down to gently adjust the backpack on a small boy who looked up in awe at the tall man. The young recipient was pleased with the Star Wars backpack and even more pleased to have Finch spend time talking to him afterwards.
Assisting Finch in the distribution at the YWCA Family Shelter was Jasmine Whitted, a senior undergraduate from A&T. She watched as the girls and boys, all residents of the shelter, came up and chose their favorite backpack. Ms. Whitted remarked that she was glad she could be there to see the smiles on the children’s faces.
“The students really enjoyed this project,” explained Dr. Gloria Elliott, a professor for the NCA&TSU Adaptive Physical Education Program, who spearheaded the project. Dr. Elliott explained that the Bags of Hope donated to the YWCA Greensboro Family Shelter were bought, filled and distributed by her students. The project was one of 125 service projects organized by A&T students, faculty and administrators to celebrate the university’s 125th year since its founding.
