International Trends and Services

about international trends and services

The Links, Incorporated created the International Trends and Services (ITS) facet in 1970 with the purpose of providing programming to people of African ancestry globally so that they may have a better quality of life. 

Activities

Linking Literacy and Friendship (March 2020)

We had so much fun and enjoyed our day with girls from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for our “Linking Literacy & Friendship” program. Our International Trends and Services Facet provided a “Journey through Africa” – a cultural extravaganza that included jewelry making, games, prizes and a delicious meal of authentic African food, prepared by chef Adedola Way. We explored the continent of Africa through cultural awareness presentations, food, clothing and cultural artifacts.

Our partnership program with BBBS also includes a focus on reading, so we were delighted to provide every girl with her personal copy of “Africa is My Home” by Monica Edinger.

Volunteer Day at Samaritan’s Feet (March 2020)

In honor of International Women’s Day, The Charlotte (NC) Links volunteered at Samaritan’s Feet where we emptied four large pallets and sorted 4,050 shoes.  We were honored to do our part to help Samaritan’s Feet serve and inspire hope in adults and children by providing shoes as the foundation to a spiritual and healthy life. The organization provides shoes because nearly 1.5 billion people are infected with foot-borne diseases that could be prevented with shoes. In addition, shoes are the fifth most needed item by students in the U.S. Samaritan’s Feet and its partners distribute shoes to more than 100 countries and across the U.S.

Bahamian Safe House Support

To support the Southern Area’s Hope, Uplift and Guidance “HUG” Bahamian Safe House Initiative, the chapter provided a contribution to provide boxes of gifts and supplies for students at the Safe House. HUG boxes provided items focused on a specific theme and allow female students to have the supplies and resources they need to be successful.

Donation Relief Efforts for the Bahamas (November 2019)

The Charlotte (NC) Chapter made a donation for relief efforts in the Bahamas where people are still recovering from the devastating hurricane. Chapter members donated enough items to fill 100 personal hygiene kits in addition to more than 450 personal health and safety items. In total, more than 1,000 items were donated to help those in need.