Five-year-old Ezekiel Randolph tugged on a camo jacket, grinning ear to ear as he struck a pose for the camera. His mom, Londun, couldn’t help but laugh as she watched from behind him — a full-circle moment decades in the making.
“Actually, when I was a child, I participated in this,” she said. “This right here is life-saving and life-changing for a lot of kids.”
More than 250 families participated Tuesday evening in the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation’s annual Back-to-School Shopping Event, which provided each child with a $100 voucher to shop for new clothes at Burlington, Bealls, or Ross. Londun brought along Ezekiel — who’s starting school for the first time this year — and her 11-year-old cousin Ke’undray Moody.
“Just being able to provide for your child, it helps,” she said. “It makes back-to-school time not so stressful. It takes a weight off your shoulders.”
Now 36, Randolph vividly remembers being 6 or 7 years old and shopping through the same program when it was held at Walmart. Her mother raised four children, and some years, the back-to-school event was the only time they got new clothes.
“Now, there are multiple stores they do this at. Just watching it — from me being a little girl to now, it’s beautiful to me,” she said. “She’s really an idol.”
That “she” is Alma Randolph, founder of the organization that bears her name. Randolph, who grew up in poverty, said she started the foundation so children wouldn’t have to face the same back-to-school experiences she did.
“I always reflect on those days when I was growing up, because my family was not blessed with the resources we needed for me to return to school,” Randolph said.
Since its founding in 1993, the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation has clothed more than 17,500 children — a number that grew Tuesday night as more than 250 local kids filled shopping carts with new shoes, jeans, shirts, and more.
“Our goal is to support these children and their families by providing resources that promote confidence and success as they return to school,” said Belinda Haliburton, the Foundation’s Special Events Co-Chair. “We believe every child deserves to start the school year prepared and proud.”
Haliburton opened the event by honoring two women who had long supported the Foundation before passing away earlier this year — board member Diana Hunter and longtime volunteer Gloria Dean. Five children shopped in Hunter’s honor, funded by donations from the board.
“This event is a blessing to the Owensboro community,” Haliburton said. “The purpose of this organization is to bring hope and integrity to people. Children do not have to go to school without new clothes.”
Randolph said she is continually humbled by the community’s support, especially from the William and Marilyn Young Foundation, which has sponsored the back-to-school event for most of its 32-year history.
“I was just thinking a few minutes ago, my own childhood experience — which was basically a bowl of lemons — has now been turned into lemonade,” Randolph said. “To know these children will return to school with dignity, able to hold their heads high, hopefully ready to learn and excited … just to play a small role in that is a blessing.”
Children are selected for the event through nominations by shelters, youth centers, churches, and other agencies, with priority given to those served through the foundation’s HUTS housing program. Still, the need often outweighs the number of available vouchers.
“Someone told me a long time ago, ‘You’ve got to focus on those you’re able to help, not those you’re not,’” Randolph said. “But I still struggle with that.”
Also among those helped Tuesday night was Sasha Hodskins, who brought her three daughters — twins Lily and Violet and their younger sister Ivy — for their third year of participation.
“I definitely don’t think I could afford new clothes without this, especially for all three,” Hodskins said. “I think it helps build their confidence. They’re able to dress the way they want and express themselves — and you’re just happier with new clothes, too.”
For Randolph, the event is more than an annual tradition. It’s a mission built on faith and shaped by personal experience.
“I take no credit,” she said. “I give all glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
