To keep the student population safe during the pandemic, Savannah State University (SSU) is giving out free hand sanitizers to every Historically Black College or University (HBCU), WSAV News reported.
The university believes it will be able to supply enough sanitizers for all students across all HBCUs nationwide. Over 75,000 bottles of sanitizers have already been shipped to more than 30 HBCUs. SSU says shipments are taking place daily.
@savannahstate announced plans to distribute FREE hand sanitizer to every HBCU in the nation to help curb the spread of #COVID19! Every HBCU will receive enough hand sanitizer to cover their entire student population. Check it out! #HBCU https://t.co/xne4OOxizO | by: @WSAV
— Center for the Study of HBCUs (@Center4HBCUs) March 30, 2021
The gift has been made possible by former SSU student Cyrus Jackson. Owner of 1 Indigo Child, LLC, which produces Dr. Hobbs Hand Sanitizer, Jackson recently donated more than $1.5 million dollars to his alma mater.
“It will take a united effort for us to survive the crisis that is upon us,” said Jackson. “It makes sense to gift this sanitizer to other HBCUs because we’re all in this together.”
A long-time donor, Jackson also formed the Fred & Mattie Jackson Foundation at SSU, which provides over $25,000 annually in need-based scholarships to help low-income students through college.
It is important for students to realize that “giving something back to the community is an important outcome, and that doing so will prepare them to be good citizens in work and life,” interim dean of SSU’s College of Business Administration, Shalonda Mullgrav told WSAV News.
