delta theta omega News

MOBILE, Ala. (Jan. 19, 2026) In the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day-an annual reminder of the power of collective action and community care-members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® (AKA) Delta Theta Omega Chapter (DTO) stepped forward with a mission rooted in dignity, confidence, and support for local students.

As part of the sorority’s annual “We Are One” AKA Day of Service, the chapter selected a project with immediate impact: donating hygiene essentials to Mobile County Training School’s Middle School Hygiene Closet. The donation included items students rely on daily-such as soap, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes-resources that can make the difference between a student feeling prepared for the day or feeling left out.

DTO Chapter President Symentha McDonald shared that the project reflects a global initiative with local purpose. “AKA worldwide does an annual ‘We Are One Day’ service project and chapters pick projects in their community that they feel compelled to assist with and this happened to be ours,” McDonald said.

While hygiene items may not always be top of mind when people think of school supplies, educators and families know they can be essential—particularly for students facing financial strain. When these basics are missing, students may experience embarrassment, anxiety, or missed instructional time.

McDonald explained the chapter’s decision was driven by awareness of the realities many families are navigating. “The chapter decided to do this to deal with a vulnerable population, we all know how high groceries are, and by the time families get to the health and beauty section, the budget maybe depleted so a lot of things can go without for kids. Students are empowered to do better, when they look good, smell good and feel good,” she said.

That sentiment aligns closely with what school leaders see firsthand. At Mobile County Training School, the Hygiene Closet is designed to support students discreetly and consistently, helping remove barriers that can interfere with school attendance and confidence.

MCPSS Instructional Specialist Kendalyn Wilson emphasized the purpose goes beyond basic supplies. “Schools have hygiene closets to promote health and hygiene for our middle school students at Mobile County Training School, what we have met is building our students’ confidence while in school and not miss any school because of hygiene concerns. We want to make sure that whatever they’re needing is always here and available for them,” Wilson said.

Wilson also highlighted the thoughtful way the closet is managed to protect student privacy—an important detail that helps ensure students actually feel comfortable using it. “This is a great donation from the sorority, of course our studentswill most definitely benefit from this, and we have it stored in a space that’s very personal, it’s not in the opening so it offers a confidential transaction,” she added.

This year’s donation was substantial-made possible by the collective effort of the chapter’s more than 200 members. Beyond standard hygiene items, the donation included a broader range of personal care essentials to meet varied student needs. “The chapter gathered lotion, soap, hair prep items, male washcloths and feminine products. The amount donated from our two hundred plus members totals enough to cover the school for the rest of the school year,” McDonald said.

By supplying the closet with a consistent inventory, the chapter’s gift aims to reduce the day-to-day stress that can come with not having necessities, while supporting a school environment where students can focus on learning rather than worrying about personal needs. 

On MLK Day, when the nation reflects on Dr. King’s message of unity and service, DTO’s project offered a clear example of how small essentials can create big change-one student, one school day, and one act of community care at a time.