A Gary sorority alumnae group recently raised $22,000 to buy travel bags for foster kids when they have to leave a home.
It’s something to make a bad situation a little better, said Lisa Derico, president of the Gary Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
“They are just packing their stuff in black garbage bags,” she said, “It’s already embarrassing.”
The goal is to purchase duffel bags. They raised the money during their second annual Sneaker Ball in February at the Chateau Banquets in Merrillville.
“We really had a lot of support this year,” Derico said.
The idea came from members who worked with agencies that support foster kids.
Last year, the sorority gave out 263 Nike Air Force One solid white sneakers to children at five Gary elementary schools, according to archives.
“They were so happy, they were smiling from ear to ear,” sorority member Felicia Farmer told the Post-Tribune then when the students saw their new shoes.
The Gary chapter of Delta Sigma Theta was established in 1975. They do several events per year, including a scholarship tea for high school students — the Art of the Grande Tea — on May 17. It’s a 21-plus event. Tickets are $75.
Anyone wanting more information can contact them at [email protected].