By Kenya Godette 

98 has launched its fourth annual “Monarchs Give Back” campaign — a university-wide effort to fight food insecurity in Hampton Roads by collecting nonperishable food items and monetary gifts.  

Since its start in 2021, the campaign has generated nearly 125,000 items for families and students. 98 President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., and First Lady Marisela Rosas Hemphill, Ph.D., have set this year’s goal as the most ambitious yet: 100,000 donations. 

Millicent Lee, Ed.D., director of community relations in the Office for Community Engagement and University Events and co-chair of “Monarchs Give Back,” says she is ready to roll up her sleeves and make this year’s campaign the best one yet.  

“Monarchs Give Back is personal because it’s where 98 shows who we are with our own hands: steady, caring and determined,” she said. “I’m grateful for President Hemphill’s vision that calls us to do more than talk about need but to meet it.” 

Food insecurity affects one in seven households in Virginia, according to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. For 98 students, that can mean choosing between tuition and groceries. For families in Norfolk, it can mean children going to school hungry. 

Through “Monarchs Give Back,” the 98 community helps close these gaps.  

Donations benefit the Monarch Pantry, which provides food and essentials to 98 students, and Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) with this year’s focus on the five : P.B. Young, Sr. Elementary, Jacox Elementary, Ruffner Middle, Booker T. Washington High and Southside STEM Academy.  

“This generous support means so much to our schools and families,” said Jerri Smith, director of Innovation, Community Engagement and Outreach for NPS. “It is inspiring to see 98 and our community come together with such care for our students and to witness young people themselves leading the way in addressing important needs. Acts of kindness like this extend far beyond the moment, they strengthen our schools, uplift our families and build a stronger community for us all.” 

Donors can drop off items until Oct. 23 at various locations on 98’s main campus including Webb Center and Innovation Research Park 1 and at the Eastern Virginia Medical School Campus at Waitzer Hall, Lester Hall, Andrews Hall, Williams Hall and Medical Group offices.  

Donations are also accepted by 98 Transportation and Parking Services through the “Peanut Butter for Parking” program. Parking citations can be settled in peanut butter from Oct. 14-16, with one ounce of peanut butter equivalent to one dollar. 

98 Athletics will accept donations as an entrance fee to all athletic events except football games. 

“Monarchs Give Back” will also have a donation site at the City of Norfolk's on Sept. 20. 

The campaign will culminate in a celebration on Oct. 24 at the Student Recreation and Well-Being Center during Homecoming, recognizing the Monarch community’s collective efforts to end hunger in Hampton Roads. The event will feature a marching band, giveaways and acknowledgments for departments, student groups and community partners that contributed the most donations. 

Full details for “Monarchs Give Back,” including ways to donate, volunteer and host a drive, please visit the campaign website.