Crestwood High School Alumni Association, Inc. Covid Response: Computers Donations & Scholarships
Due to the coronavirus, and the havoc it is causing in our communities, we decided to provided the five (5) laptop computers that we obtained from the Tidewater Community College Computer Club to students who were in need of a computer in order to assist with completing their school work assignments from home. Three were given to students at Western Branch High School; one was given to a senior at Oscar Smith High School; and, one was provided to a teacher at Portlock Primary School.
We will continue to assist the students in whatever way we can, as they and their teachers continue to make the best of a very unfortunate situation of having to distance teach and learn. The Association reached out to guidance counselors in the area schools to provide information about our scholarship program. As colleges, universities and other educational facilities have been closed for quite awhile due to the virus, all are suffering significant financial loses. This will inevitably cause a negative effect on financial aid for graduating seniors, as well as those who are planning to return.
With this situation as a backdrop, the Association reached out to those students that had received our scholarship last year to inform them that they are still eligible to receive some type of assistance from us when they return to school in the fall.
Crestwood High School Alumni Association, Inc. Donation to the Buffalow Family and Friends
In continuing our efforts to make a difference in the lives of families within our communities, the Crestwood High School Alumni Association, Inc. will make a financial contribution to three organizations in the community. These organizations work diligently to provide children and families with needed services and goods that will bring a ray of light and hope into their lives.
The first organization we assisted was Buffalow Family and Friends ($800.00). This organization is a family oriented organization that offers support and encouragement to families throughout Chesapeake. They provide such programs as Senior Initiatives; Thanksgiving Community Day Dinners, Warm and Fuzzy; and, back to school giveaways for the kids. The Association was honored to be able to assist this outstanding group of people who make it their life’s work to help those in need, not only during this pandemic, but they have been on the forefront of giving for over 10 years.
We look forward to continuing to support this organization in the future, as their work within the community is much needed and appreciated by all. Please check their website to learn more about this outstanding organization, and to see how you can also assist their efforts in helping families.
Crestwood High School Alumni Association, Inc. Donation to the Cornland School Foundation, Inc.
The Crestwood High School Alumni Association, Inc. made a $700.00 donation to the Cornland School Foundation on July 1, 2020. The Association felt that it was important to support the mission and vision of this organization, as their goals are aligned with those of the Association, as they strive to “Tell Their Own Story”. Restoring and preserving this historical landmark will assist the Foundation in educating current and future generations about the history and culture of educating African Americans in Chesapeake (formerly Norfolk County) before schools were integrated. The Alumni Association feels a certain kinship with Cornland School ( 1902 to 1952) because many of the descendants of the school attended either Norfolk County High or Crestwood High School.
Recently, the City of Chesapeake approved plans and funds to move the school to a 12-acre site in the Dismal Swamp’s African American Heritage Trail. This will be a tremendous undertaking that will require financial assistance from various sources. Please check their website to see how you can assist with this very worthy project.
Crestwood High School Alumni Association, Inc. Donation to the Grove Church
Another organization to be recognized, by the Crestwood High School Alumni Association (CHSAA, Inc.) for its community work during the COVID-19 pandemic, is Grove Church in Portsmouth, VA. Grove Church, whose Senior Pastor is Dr. Melvin O.Marriner, has a long history of helping the Hampton Roads community. Once again, Grove has followed the core of its Mission statement, “To Meet the Needs of People.”
During this pandemic, Grove Church has supported the community in many ways. Some of them include: establishing a free online tutoring program; providing pantry donations to families; supplying meals to frontline workers at Harris Teeter Supermarket and Maryview Hospital; and partnering with the Department of Health to provide free COVID-19 testing. To support Grove’s activities, on July 6, 2020, the representatives of CHSAA, Inc. presented a $500.00 donation to Mrs. Margaret DePena the Minister of Administration at Grove Church.
