On Labor Day, September 2, 2024, the AKISAN Piedmont Metro Chapter, North Carolina, continued its annual tradition of giving back to the community by partnering with Oak City Cares. This collaboration marked our second year of supporting Oak City Cares, a vital community service center dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness in Raleigh, NC.
Oak City Cares is located at 1430 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603, and serves as a safe haven for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through their comprehensive support services, Oak City Cares provides meals, hygiene supplies, healthcare access, and other critical resources to those in need. This year’s Labor Day event was graciously hosted by the center’s owners, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Lundgren, who extended their heartfelt gratitude to AKISAN Piedmont Metro Chapter for their continuous support.
Under the leadership of Mr. Utibe Udoh, President of the AKISAN Piedmont Metro Chapter, our dedicated members gathered at Oak City Cares from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, bringing with them not only essential supplies but also a spirit of compassion and community. Mr. Udoh led the team with a clear message: “We will continue to represent what AKISAN stands for by offering relentless volunteering and providing relief materials to the community.” His commitment to service was evident throughout the event, as he motivated members to work together in support of those in need. The event saw participation from a diverse group of volunteers, including adults, young professionals, teenagers, and even children as young as two years old. This broad age range reflects the inclusive nature of our chapter and the shared commitment across generations to community service.
Items Donated by AKISAN Members:
To support the center’s ongoing needs, AKISAN Piedmont Metro Chapter donated the following items:
- Coffee (ground or beans)
- Travel-sized deodorants
- Hand sanitizers
- Lotions
- Scented laundry detergent
These donations were much appreciated by the Oak City Cares staff and the individuals they serve daily.
Volunteer Activities:
Our volunteers engaged in a variety of tasks, including:
- Assisting homeless individuals in wheelchairs
- Serving food and drinks
- Cleaning tables and mopping floors
- Distributing hygiene products
- Supervising the coffee machine
The commitment and teamwork displayed by our members were inspiring, as they worked tirelessly to ensure that each guest was served.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all members who contributed financially to the Oak City Cares fundraising initiative. Your generosity ensures that we can continue to support and uplift our community. Contributions from our chapter members covered a wide demographic, showcasing the unity of our community across different ages, from young professionals to seasoned members.
AKISAN Piedmont Metro Chapter remains committed to supporting Oak City Cares and other initiatives that uplift our community. As we look forward to future collaborations, we encourage our members and friends to continue their support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the needs of our neighbors.
This initiative reflects the heart and spirit of AKISAN Piedmont Metro Chapter—one of unity, compassion, and service. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this day a success and look forward to continuing this meaningful tradition in the years to come.
Thank You, AKISAN Community!
Thank you to everyone who played a role in this year’s Labor Day initiative at Oak City Cares. Your kindness and generosity are making a real difference. Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive throughout the year. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community.
