The local Monroe chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is on a mission to change more lives of young men in their community.

Every year they try to make an impression with a little shopping spree at Target.



For one night, these kids can get just about everything they want for Christmas, but they’re also getting a gift that means a lot more.



“Right now they just want fun, they want pizza and they want some toys but when they get older they’ll understand the significance of it,” Alpha Phi Alpha member, Eric Washington said.



Every gift means another chance for a conversation



“We find out about them talk about what they’re doing in school and let them know what we’re doing so they’ll have something to aspire to,” Washingtn said.



A connection they hope inspires and will last a lifetime as they help more kids they hope the word continues to spread.



“I just hope that others will follow our lead so that we can get more of the kids involved in what we’re doing,” Washington said.

Alpha Phi Alpha has been having this event for over 20 years and they plan to have it for many more.