The International Student Association at Livingstone College received a generous and timely gift over the Thanksgiving season, courtesy of the Connectional Lay Council of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The Council donated dozens of bedding items, including comforters and sheet sets, to support international students who often cannot transport such essentials across continents.
This thoughtful contribution further demonstrates the deep and longstanding bond between Livingstone College and The A.M.E. Zion Church. The initiative began when the Lay Council’s First Vice President, Leondras Davis, reached out to Honors Program Director Da’Tarvia Parrish to inquire about student needs. Dr. Parrish confirmed that many international students lacked adequate bedding, and the Council responded swiftly and abundantly.
More than 30 international students received items during the holiday season, and an equal surplus remains on campus to welcome the more than 40 new international students who will join the Blue Bear family in January. For many students, the impact is both practical and emotional. Francis Boadu of Ghana expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Since I have been in this country, I have witnessed the move of God’s hand through The A.M.E. Zion Church denomination. I can testify my stay in America has been enhanced because of all of them, and I thank God for sending me here.”
The effort also drew support from community partners. Robert McInnis of the Salisbury Corvette Club swapped his sports car for a truck to transport the items from St. Stephens A.M.E. Zion Church in Gastonia. “I was surprised at the number of items they had to donate,” he shared. “It was a lot more work than I thought, but because I’ve met many of those kids from events like the parades, I knew it was for a good cause.”
During a season centered on gratitude, Livingstone College celebrates its enduring connection with The A.M.E. Zion Church. May the love and shared mission between the two continue to thrive for generations to come.
