North Central FRC Employees Celebrate Black History Month by Giving Back

Members of the Black History Month Committee at the HHSA North Central Family Resource Center hit the streets in East Village in December to distribute donated clothing and blankets to homeless individuals and families. The employees are doing another drive in February.

In December, members of the HHSA North Central Family Resource Center’s Black History Month committee hit the streets in East Village handing out blankets, jackets and clothing donated by fellow employees to homeless families and individuals.

The experience was so rewarding – and the responses from the recipients so heart-warming – that the group decided to forgo their annual Black History Month observation and hold another donation drive to help those in need.

Traditionally, the different cultural groups represented in the workforce at the FRC host annual celebrations to mark occasions like February’ Black History Month featuring food, festivities and information about the culture being honored.

But after their successful holiday efforts, the committee decided to do another drive to honor the legacy of contributions by iconic figures in black history and embrace the County’s customer experience and Live Well initiatives.

“In the past years, many have had the opportunity to enjoy African-American cultural displays and performances of music, food, dance, poetry and art,” said Ed Wortham, co-chair of the Black History Month committee. “This time we chose a theme to showcase what is just a small glimpse of such a rich culture in an effort to share an enjoyable experience.

“In doing so, we also included an element to support the great Live Well and H.E.A.R.T. initiatives of the County and encourage all to participate in the fun.”

During the December drive, the committee received 41 blankets, 22 jackets and another 61 items of clothing such as hoodies, sweaters and hats.  They spent a few hours one afternoon at 16th Street and Island Avenue in East Village handing out the donated items directly to people on the street.

“The individuals, families and children who received these items were extremely grateful and expressed a need for more specific items that will help protect them from the winter season and nighttime elements,” said Rochelle Otis, Black History Month co-chair. “We wanted to provide a sense of caring and compassion for people who sometimes feel as though they are forgotten.”

Committee members are collecting donations of blankets, socks, gloves, jackets, jeans, thermal underwear, camping tents, tarps, large garden lawn bags, self-opening canned goods, crackers and water until Feb. 19 and will be distributing them on Feb. 27.