This year, Ivy Storehouse wanted to give back to our youth and our extraordinary cohort of AKA Educators who all faced challenging times during last year’s unprecedented school year due to the impact of COVID-19. It was then that we started dreaming up what is now the #ProjectBackpack initiative. It all began with a vision to design and deliver custom backpacks equipped with all of the necessities students need for a successful school year. We spent months designing pink and green backpacks for both boys and girls and all in demand school supplies. We then used the power of our supply chain and volumes to manufacture the stocked backpacks at a significant discount in addition to bolstering the number of backpacks purchased by Sorority members.

From the color selection of the crayons, to the inspiring quotes on the journals, and the note to students from Sorority members that were placed in the backpacks, we left no stone unturned during the creative process and gave the students our absolute best. After completing the design process, it was time to get you all involved! The second phase of Project Backpack launched during this year’s Christmas in July Sale. During check-out, Ivy Box subscribers had the option to add-on a backpack for $20 to their cart. Since Alpha women are all about community, it was no surprise that many of you decided to purchase a backpack and change a life.

Next, it was time to engage our educators, so we put out a call to action to all of our AKA educators via e-mail and asked them to apply for a chance to become Project Backpack recipients. The response was simply overwhelming! Though Sorority members purchased thousands of backpacks and we bolstered the purchase, the need was so great that all backpacks were distributed within minutes of launching the application process – preference was given to low income Title 1 schools.

In their applications, our wonderful educators wrote about the love they have for their students and the many challenges they faced. Many educators personally supplement students with supplies and backpacks, purchase water bottles for students-as many water fountains have closed in schools as a COVID-19 precaution, and rely on donations to aid in getting students the supplies they need.

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Project Backpack Thank You Photo

While reading the applications, it was very evident that this old saying rings true, teaching is not just a job, it is a calling! We are honored that so many of you have answered your calling and are committed to uplifting the next generation through education.

Though we already knew this, another point that was highlighted in many applications, is the fact that Alpha educators are extremely proud! Many of our educators wrote about how often they tell their students about their beloved sisterhood, its rich history, and the Sorority’s commitment to excellence and service.

Though we would have loved to deliver backpacks to all of those in need, we were able to select institutions from around the nation as recipients, and we began delivering the thousands of backpacks at the beginning of this month.

Project Backpack was an initiative created out of love, and we are truly touched at the overflow of sisterly support that was shown by all of you. To all of the wonderful members who purchased a backpack, you have planted a seed of sisterhood, service, and solidarity that will be embedded into these children’s minds forever. You’re a movement by yourself, but a force when you’re together! Thank you, thank you, thank you for partnering with us to pour back into our youth and the Sorors who educate them! You have shown these students what sisterhood is all about. #wehelpeachother

Due to the great need for school supplies, Ivy Storehouse has decided to keep the program running all year long in order to earn more donations for students. Project Backpack will continue during our annual Pink Friday Sale! Likewise, we are looking to increase the size of the program and add sponsors for Project Backpack in 2022. Please contact us at pr@ivystorehouse.com if you or your corporation would like to get involved and help us create magic for the next generation of innovators and leaders!

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Category: Service

On September 21, 2020 Ivy Storehouse is proud to announce its donation of $5,000 on behalf of its subscribers in support of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc’s HBCU Impact Day. AKA created this day to support the sustainability of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). AKAs showcase their HBCU pride by wearing HBCU apparel, donating, and encouraging others to donate as well. While the institutions were created before 1964, HBCUs remain an essential part of the African American collegiate experience. According to the United Negro College Fund, they produce almost 20% of all African American graduates in addition to producing 25% of all African American science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates.

Since their inception, they have provided a pathway to scholastic achievement for African Americans. HBCUs provide a unique experience to students by emphasizing community and culture. Furthermore, they equip students with the confidence to pursue excellence while advancing their communities. In order to reach their goal of raising $1 million, AKA has requested to collect all donations through this portal. We hope that you will join us in keeping the African American collegiate experience alive by donating to one of these integral institutions.

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Category: Service

In February 2017, Ivy Storehouse stood in solidarity with our supportive audience against police brutality by including the Pearl Power T-shirt within the Ivy Box. Disappointingly, this same kind of injustice continues to plague the Black community, viciously taking the lives of our beloved brothers and sisters.

In light of this unrelenting injustice and at the request of many members of our amazing audience, Ivy Storehouse recently rereleased the Pearl Power t-shirt, a distinctive and powerful collectible. While we planned for a robust response, we were both honored and encouraged when the Pearl Power t-shirt sold out within 24 hours of rerelease. This incredible expression of support demonstrates the raw and real desire of the Ivy Storehouse audience to be seen and heard together in these troubling times.

Wholeheartedly, Ivy Storehouse shares that passion for justice and reform. In honor of our audience and those personally affected by the pervasive injustice in our communities, we are donating the profits from the Pearl Power t-shirt to the following organizations and individuals:

  • $10,000 donation to the George Floyd GoFundMe account, which was established to cover funeral and burial expenses for Mr. Floyd and to assist his family, as they seek the justice they deserve.  A portion of these funds also go to the Estate of George Floyd for the benefit and care of his children and their educational fund.

More information can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd

  • $10,000 donation to the Ahmaud Arbery GoFundMe account, created to assist Mr. Arbery’s mother Ms. Wanda Cooper-Jones and her immediate family with financial support during this extremely difficult time and in their fight for justice.

More information can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud

  • $10,000 donated to the Breonna Taylor GoFundMe account established to provide financial support to Ms. Taylor’s family in their pursuit of justice for their daughter and sister.

More information can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor

  • $10,000 donation to the Movement for Black Lives, a system of dedicated individuals and organizations who have created a shared vision and policy agenda to win rights, recognition and resources for Black people. The Movement for Black Lives is a fiscally sponsored 501c3 at the Alliance for Global Justice. Donations are used to promote political engagement among Black people, train and develop Black leaders, empower minority communities and develop electoral strategies.

More information can be found at https://m4bl.org/about-us/

  • $10,000 donation to The Bail Project, Inc. which has a mission to combat mass incarceration and reshape the pretrial system in the United States. 100% of their online donations are used to post bail bonds and bring people home. Since bail money comes back to the organization at the closing of cases, the organization recycles every dollar donated at least twice per year.

More information can be found at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/the-bail-project

  • Annual Ivy Box Subscription to Krystle Smith, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha who was captured on camera admonishing a fellow police officer for his assault on a peaceful protestor. Without hesitation, Officer Smith took a courageous and powerful stance against police brutality. We celebrate and honor her with an annual Ivy Box gift subscription.

Determinedly, Ivy Storehouse mirrors the spirit of our audience and their efforts to make a difference within our communities. We are stronger together. And with the help of our incredible audience, we will continue to use our platform in our steadfast pursuit of justice and equality for Black lives.

Make a difference about something other than yourselves. – Toni Morrison

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Category: Service

Ivy Box monthly subscribers came through for the staff of Harlem Hospital. With proceeds from Ivy Box sales, Ivy Storehouse coordinated the delivery of delicious nourishment for the brave men and women working to save lives in the midst of this devastating pandemic.

A member of NYC Health + Hospitals, Harlem Hospital is an institution with a rich history within its community. Founded in 1887, the hospital has established itself as a leading educator of Black health professionals. Since then, its medical faculty and residency training programs have consistently included minority physicians dedicated to treating medically underserved populations.

In these trying times, the provision of meals has become extremely important for the support of frontline professionals. Hospital staff is overwhelmed, with little time for their own needs. With these meals, they can worry about one less thing while feeling supported and appreciated by the community.

In addition, the lack of personal protection equipment means that these brave caregivers are forced to spend hours in protective gear without eating. When they finally get a chance to remove their equipment, these meals provide them with much-needed nourishment.

Ivy Storehouse thanks Fieldtrip NYC for preparing and delivering the meals to Harlem Hospital. Founded in 2019 by Chef JJ Johnson, this minority-owned dining experience offers cuisine influenced by global flavors. After initially expecting to close their doors in the midst of COVID-19, Fieldtrip found a way to service the community. Using sustainable products, the restaurant creates rice bowls paired with ethically sourced vegetables and proteins to provide frontline workers with uniquely flavorful and nutritious meals.

Ivy Storehouse sincerely thanks the Ivy Box community for helping to make a difference in the lives of deserving healthcare professionals.

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Category: Service

In the midst of this deadly pandemic, New York hospitals face an extreme shortage of necessary safety equipment. In response to this growing emergency, in April 2020, Ivy Storehouse purchased crucial personal protection equipment (PPE) for the dedicated staff of Harlem Hospital thanks to the generosity of Ivy Box monthly subscribers. Using sales proceeds, Ivy Storehouse provided $10,000 N95 masks, protective gowns and various other types of much-needed PPE.

New York is at the epicenter of America’s coronavirus emergency, making the availability of PPE extremely limited. Anticipating an upcoming peak in cases and patients, hospital administrators across the city have found it necessary to ration their equipment, which creates a situation where hospital staff must reuse N95 masks for multiple days. These particle-filtering respirator masks are intended for one-time use, and they are not meant for use when working with multiple patients. Reusing them increases the risk of infection faced by frontline workers. By providing PPE, Ivy Box subscribers help to keep the brave staff members of Harlem Hospital safe and healthy.

Founded in 1887, Harlem Hospital earned its reputation as a leading educator of Black healthcare professionals. A member of NYC Health + Hospitals, the institution is credited with saving the life of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1958. Suffering from a stab wound to the chest, Dr. King was rushed to Harlem Hospital Center, where the Chief of Surgery Dr. Aubrey Maynard performed a unique and complex procedure that resulted in Dr. King’s full recovery.

Ivy Storehouse is honored to assist the staff members of this remarkable legacy and thanks the Ivy Box subscribers for continuously supporting their community initiatives.

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