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Neighbor News

Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Establishes ‘Comfort Closets’ for Laurel, MD

by Marsha Mims-Word

Psi Epsilon Omega (PEO) chapter president Karen S. Hicks and First Vice President Marsha Mims-Word as well as a PEO member of the “Uplift Our Local Community” committee sort school uniforms for the Montpelier Elementary School comfort closet.
Psi Epsilon Omega (PEO) chapter president Karen S. Hicks and First Vice President Marsha Mims-Word as well as a PEO member of the “Uplift Our Local Community” committee sort school uniforms for the Montpelier Elementary School comfort closet. (Marsha Mims-Word)

The Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® recently partnered with two elementary schools in Prince George’s County to establish a Comfort Closet. This dedicated space will provide essential clothing items like school uniforms, socks, and undergarments, to ensure all students have access to clean, appropriate attire for school.

“So many families in our local community are facing economic hardships,” said Karen S. Hicks, PEO President. “We are glad to support Montpelier and Springhill Lake Elementary Schools to help eliminate a fundamental barrier to learning by promoting dignity, confidence, and consistent attendance.”

By meeting students' basic needs, the partnership aims to create a more equitable and supportive school environment where every child can focus on learning without the distraction or stigma of lacking proper clothing.

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The chapter collected over 1,100 new and gently used items to stock closets at both schools for the 2025-2026 school year. The Comfort Closet will be restocked regularly, to ensure that it remains a reliable resource for students in need. The goal is to serve as many students as possible throughout the school year, creating a sustainable model of care and compassion within the school community.

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