Terisa Griffin hosted her iconic “Better Love Yourself Trunk Party” at Malcolm X College, providing essential supplies and workshops for college-bound students and their parents (Photo Courtesy of Terisa Griffin).
Back-to-school season is upon us, from daycare to college. Regardless of the level, many resources in our community can help us budget or provide free supplies to parents and students.
Do you remember getting ready to move away to college and shopping for pillows, blankets, cleaning supplies and clothes?
If you haven’t heard about the “Better Love Yourself Trunk Party,” this event is about giving back to students and providing a fun, lively and educational experience for students and parents before they head off to college.
Better Love Yourself Trunk Party With a Purpose
The trunks prepared for students at the “Better Love Yourself Trunk Party” (Photo Courtesy of Terisa Griffin).
Recording artist Terisa Griffin launched “Better Love Yourself Trunk Party” at the Green Dolphin Lounge, where she performed. As the event’s popularity grew, she relocated it to the DuSable Museum, and this year, it was held at Malcolm X College.
Griffin stated, “In 2006, I started organizing these events. For 18 years, my fans have generously helped me raise funds for this cause because they love it. We have help from donations and partnerships with various organizations. For instance, we’ve had support from 100 Black Men, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. We also collaborate with institutions like the Missouri History Museum. We strive to build new partnerships yearly to keep this initiative going.”
The Better Love Yourself Trunk Party is a pep rally for education. Not only does Terisa help students receive what they need, but she also offers workshops for students and parents on topics such as Networking in College, Mental Wellness Challenges and Growth, Financial Aid, and Sex and Abstinence (Choosing you).
They even have games like Parent Bingo, where parents can win prizes for their kids. Terisa also has a program dedicated to students and parents who attend these workshops to help support their children in college and prepare them to become empty nesters.
Teresa and her team personally pack every trunk each year. To ensure they’re prepared, each student gets a trunk that includes everything, from laundry detergent and dryer sheets to irons and lamps.
We even have personal care items like body wash, toothpaste and deodorant.
Dedicated Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers at the “Better Love Yourself Trunk Party” (Photo Courtesy of Terisa Griffin).
Volunteers play a crucial role in the fabric of our communities, offering their time, skills, and enthusiasm to drive positive change and support important causes. By dedicating their efforts to various initiatives, volunteers help address local needs, build meaningful connections, and create a ripple effect of goodwill and progress.
For over four years, Teri Manson, a dedicated volunteer, expressed why she loves working with Terisa and the organization each year.
“I love the sense of community and the chance to support such a meaningful cause, so when I heard about this opportunity, I jumped to get involved. It made me reflect. I had to figure things out independently, and I wish I had packed some noodles in my trunk back then,” she said.
“I remember those days vividly—my mom was on public aid; when I went to school, I worked hard to cover all my expenses, including transportation and school costs, on my own.”
Since 2017, Tanya Neal and her daughter, Tanaijah Fields, have made it a point to return each year to give back and volunteer.
This tradition started when Tanaijah received her trunk and graduated from the University of Illinois. Tanya also supports students through the Michael Field Scholarship, recognizing their accomplishments.
Tanya shares, “It’s my daughter’s passion that drives us. Last year, she even raised money to award a scholarship, and she’s working to do the same this year. It’s all about giving back and helping other kids benefit. My niece received a trunk a few years before my daughter, and since then, we’ve made it a tradition to come back and volunteer. It’s something we feel strongly about doing.”
Desiree Washington, who lost her husband a few years ago, and her son, Quilin McBride, 18, reflect on this new chapter, saying, “While I’ll have more time for myself, I’m sure I’ll find ways to stay engaged. Quilin is my only child, so it’s an emotional transition for me. I need to let him go so he can experience life independently. I hope the foundation I’ve provided will help him make good choices and enjoy his time away.”
Jaylen Jones, heading to Jackson State University to major in psychology, was thrilled to receive his trunk. He mentioned that it helps him save money on items that might seem inexpensive individually but can add up over time. Thanks to the trunk, Jones received essential items he might have yet to consider buying, such as rubbing alcohol, detergent, bleach and other cleaning supplies. Jones expressed his appreciation, noting that he likes to keep things clean and organized, and the trunk will assist him in maintaining that standard.
A Heartfelt Wrap Up
Attendees at the “Better Love Yourself Trunk Party” (Photo Courtesy of Terisa Griffin).
Terisa noted that the annual event will continue to explore new venues throughout the city and suburbs.
They are open to collaborating with any institution and want the community to be aware that, after 18 years, they remain strong and have expanded to other cities across the United States.
After the students’ workshops, dinner was served, followed by a special presentation with Dr. Angelia Roberts Watkins, Alexis Dionne “Breeze,” Lauren Tyner Ford, Helen Crawley Austin and Terisa with her husband John S. Kendall.
They awarded scholarships, book stipends and gift cards to the students.
The evening featured an engaging performance by Terisa and her band, who played three songs and invited students on stage to dance, sing and win additional prizes.
Students also received practical tips for college life, including handling a traffic stop.
The night ended with a prayer, and students collected their trunks, ready to embark on their new journey with the support and advice from Terisa and her team. Terisa reassured them they could always rely on her for ongoing support.
To apply, donate, or volunteer for 2025, visit www.betterloveyourself.com
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