Santa came early this year at Harbison West Elementary.

The Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at the University of South Carolina brought holiday cheer to students with gifts last week.

Sorority members collected backpacks filled with school supplies, clothing and toys to donate to students in need.

Brenna Lamprey, a 5th-grade teacher said her UofSC intern, Andie Mullis asked what Alpha Gamma Delta could do.

“I love thinking about the joy that they can bring through a small gesture,” the teacher said.

Mullis said the plan was to give the backpacks away last year but the pandemic changed that.

“Before covid-19, we were given a budget and allowed to fill backpacks with school supplies and other items students needed,” she said.

The backpacks included notebooks, markers, scissors, hats, gloves, socks and toys.

“It is just an awesome feeling when I see community members donating supplies to help our students be successful," said Principal Randy Norman.