Urban League Volunteers, Walgreens, Collaborate to #StandWithFlint

Urban League Volunteers, Walgreens, Collaborate to #StandWithFlint

The Urban League Movement and Walgreens have partnered to support the youth of Flint, Michigan, amid the city’s water crisis. More than 80 volunteers from the National Urban League’s affiliate groups, the Young Professionals, and the Guild, along with a group of staff from the National Urban League’s New York headquarters, arrived recently in Flint to help distribute supplies donated by Walgreens and to mentor children and teens.

“The core of the Young Professionals is service, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to have a positive impact on the Flint community and the young people struggling to meet this challenge,” said Carlos J. Clanton, President of the National Urban League Young Professionals and a member of the National Urban League’s Board of Trustees. “I’m proud that so many of our members were able to join us in Flint and so willing to devote their time and talent to supporting this resilient community.”

Walgreens has donated two truckloads of bottled water to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, along with 2,500 units of hand sanitizer and 800 packets of cleansing wipes. In partnership with Comcast Cares Day, an annual service project by Comcast NBC Universal employees, the Urban League volunteers distributed supplies and food, assembled school supply kits, and conducted creative and educational activities for students at the Boys and Girls Club.

Volunteers met recently at the Boys and Girls Club with 100 students ages 7 to 17 for a town hall to discuss the water crisis and its impact, and to introduce the students to the National Urban League signature program, Project Ready STEM. Project Ready STEM prepares students for success in college and careers, with a special focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. At a recent news conference at the Food Bank, Cynthia Stokes-Murray, President of the National Urban League Council of Guilds, said, “It’s important to remember that Flint needs much more than just safe drinking water. Deindustrialization here has left the community to struggle with high unemployment, drive, and a desperate lack of public resources. These challenges cannot be resolved simply by installing new water pipes.”

Marriott Hotels and Resorts donated several dozen hotel rooms to house the volunteers during their stay in Flint. The volunteers are working with community members to form a Flint chapter of the Young Professionals to remain engaged with the work that has already begun. Urban League of Flint Board Chair Reggie Smith, said, “We, the trustees of the Urban League of Flint, are both proud and honored that our national office -- as well as Walgreen and Comcast -- are here in Flint to assist us with this water crisis. The Flint affiliate stands ready to help members of our community through this difficult time.” Follow the volunteers’ progress on social media with the hashtag #StandWithFlint.

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