The Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., held a fundraiser to help a student in need. On Jan. 9, Derrick “Chuckie” Young Jr., lost all of his belongings and home in a tragic fire.
Young, a Kansas City, Mo., native, is popular on campus and is an active member of the Student Government Association. He is also a member of one of Grambling State University’s modeling troupes, Black Dynasty.
When this tragic event occurred, the AKAs at GSU acted fast.
“As soon as we found out about his situation we wanted to help as soon as possible,” Brittany Buggs said, “and we started to reach out to find out exactly how we could help Derrick.”
The nursing major then added the original plan was to give Young a gift card, but the chapter felt that was not good enough.
“We knew we could do better than a simple gift card,” said Buggs. “So, we reached out to our fellow students and raised money and provided Derrick with a lot of household items.”
In two hours, the amount of money raised for Young was a little over $200, not including the $100 that the chapter is donating.
Not only was this a joyous moment for Young, but for the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha and everyone else who participated in the fundraiser last Thursday.
Young was very appreciative and excited about all the help that he has received. The junior psychology major said the turnout and the chapter helping him through this hardship overwhelmed him.
“The AKAs were the only campus organization that helped me through this rough time,” Young said. “This is the roughest experience I’ve ever faced and I’m thankful for them.”
Not only was money donated at the event, but students also donated items as well.
Junior nursing major Kierra Rodgers said after the inventory was counted, Young received plenty of items: towels, toiletries, a futon, microwave, school supplies and a television.
The fundraiser was scheduled to be on the Yard, but later moved to the Tiger Express.
“It was way too cold outside to have the fundraiser on the Yard,” Rodgers said. “So, we decided to hold it in the Tiger Express because we felt more people would be there.”
Since the event, Young has moved into a new apartment in Ruston, and is taking baby steps to move forward and rebuild his life. On Friday, the chapter will present Young with a $300 check and a Chili’s gift card.