Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia handed out 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donations were part of their annual “Hatch Day” held in Chicago, United States, the singer-actress said in her Instagram post yesterday, Aug. 15. “Hatch Day” is an event in memory of Julia’s late son, Julian D. King, as per the Julian D. King Gift Foundation’s site.
Jennifer then explained in a video that they decided to distribute the items by delivery to avoid a large gathering, considering the need for social distancing amid the coronavirus crisis. She also stressed that children still need to “glow, grow and go to school” despite the pandemic.
“My mama [used] to say ‘[W]here there is a will, there is a way.’ @juleyah definitely had the will to still find a way to service these kids on this ‘Hatch day’ even during the pandemic, in the safest way possible!” Jennifer said.
The artist also posted photos of her, Julia and some volunteers as they prepared and handed the bags to kids.
Following the distribution, the foundation featured moments from the event on its Facebook page. It pointed out that the team was able to hand out 2,000 backpacks across the city.
The sisters then celebrated what would have been Julian’s 19 birthday with an intimate get-together, as seen in a separate post on the same day.
“Oh but we made it thru it all! Although it was very different this year with all that’s going on!” Jennifer said.
“Happy heavenly birthday nephew!!” she added. “We will always honor and uphold your memory!” JB
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