The sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are kicking off their 54th Farwest Regional Conference today in Hawaii by donating personal care kits to the unhoused veterans of O’ahu.

This will be part of their IMPACT Day of Service at the Hawaii Convention Center. First initiated in 2010, IMPACT Day is a one-day community service event, where chapters throughout each region of the sorority organize and work together on the same project on the same day to heighten awareness about a pressing social issue.

“This year, the Farwest Region’s IMPACT Day will target the plight of homelessness among U.S. veterans on O’ahu. The predominately African American sorority is partnering with U.S. VETS to assemble and distribute personal care kits to local veterans in need,” the Farwest Region of the sorority stated in a press release. “From 2015 to 2022, Hawaii decreased its number of homeless veterans by 50%, largely due to the initiatives of U.S. VETS, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families transition from homelessness to independence through tailored support programs. These efforts must continue and, as a premier service sorority, members of Delta Sigma Theta are ready to use IMPACT Day to make a difference through tangible service.”

“Service and impact are paramount to who we are as members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Since our founding in 1913, we have always been at the forefront of advocating for human rights and giving back to the communities that we serve,” Farwest Regional Director, Kimberly M. Usher said. “It is our intention that IMPACT Day in Honolulu will provide needed support and hope for our homeless veterans. The Farwest Region strives to be responsive in all that we do and, with the large number of military families on O’ahu, it is critical that we leave our mark by embracing the ‘Aloha Spirit’ and contributing to improving the lives of those who bravely served our country.”

The Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta consists of members from over 97 chapters in 9 states and 2 countries, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Japan, and Korea.

The 54th Farwest Regional Conference will take place from May 22 – 26, 2024 at the Hawaii Convention Center.