1,000 sets of infant clothing donated to Hampton Roads nonprofits

A Northern Virginia woman who has worked to advocate for the Korean American community recently collaborated with a Williamsburg couple and state Sen. Monty Mason to donate 1,000 sets of infant clothing to nonprofits around the region.

Hyun Lee, whose family owns and operates SH International, a clothing and textile company in South Korea, and Daeik and Susan Chong of Williamsburg donated the clothing, which was distributed Friday at the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.

The charity effort began with Lee, a professor in the school of business at the Washington University of Science and Technology in Vienna who has previously worked to help communities in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Lee, who has 15 years of experience with political campaigns, advocacy and building coalitions, previously served as a member of both the Virginia Governor’s Council on Women and the Virginia Asian Advisory Board.

After the success of a New Year’s clothing drive in Fairfax, Lee wanted to make an impact, not only on her own community, but on Asian American communities in other parts of Virginia. All the clothing donated by Lee was manufactured in her family’s factory in South Korea and comes from her textile wholesale location in Northern Virginia.

As a Korean American, Lee makes a point of connecting with local Korean American leaders in the community when she travels for business, which is how she met the Chongs three years ago.

The Chongs are first-generation Korean Americans who have lived in the United States for 50 years.

Susan Chong used to be an educator and Daeik Chong was a master potter at the Williamsburg Pottery Factory. Daeik was also a former president of the Korean Association (Peninsula) and the Tidewater Korean Association. In addition, the Chongs owned and operated seven Hampton Roads gas stations.

When the Chongs heard about previous clothing donation projects that Lee had done in Northern Virginia, they wanted to contribute to a similar initiative in the Williamsburg area.

“Giving back and serving our community has always been a priority for us,” the Chongs said in a prepared statement. “These infant clothes will support many deserving families across the Peninsula. Knowing we were a part of this effort is a true delight.”

With her experience in local, state and national advocacy, Lee said she felt it was important to collaborate with local offices who could help her project become a reality.

With the Chongs’ support, Lee reached out to Mason’s office to facilitate the donation process and connect her with the United Way. The United Way identified nonprofits throughout the Peninsula that could benefit from the clothing donations.

On Friday, Lee, Mason, the Chongs and participating nonprofits met at the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula’s York County office to announce and distribute the donations.

“We worked hard to bring our partners together and see what their needs are,” said Charvalla West, director of community impact for United Way. “That’s what United Ways does ... mobilize resources.”

“They were a great conduit to getting this out,” added Mason, who has worked with the nonprofit multiple times in the past.

Krystal Grove, the social services coordinator for Salvation Army Williamsburg, one of the nonprofits that received clothing, said the donations would make “a huge impact.” Other nonprofits that got donations included Grove Christian Outreach Center, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, FISH, Salvation Army Virginia Peninsula, Link of Hampton Roads and Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia.

The clothing represents more than warmth and comfort, said Susan Chong. It represents hope and solidarity.

Evelyn Davidson, evelyn.davidson@virginiamedia.com