LARGO, Md. (DC News Now) -- About 500 kits were put together by volunteers and members of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. for those living with sickle cell disease, something that has plagued many people in the African American community. "Sickle Cell Disease is a disorder of red blood cells," Children's National Hospital's Dr. Andrew Campbell said. "Instead of making round shaped red blood cells, sickle cell disease makes almost like a banana-shaped or 'C' shaped red blood cells." About 40% of people who live in Prince George's County have been diagnosed with sickle cell. For people like Alaira Cullen who was diagnosed with the illness at birth, she says the two types of kits put together can lift the spirits of patients. School closures, delays in Maryland after snowfall "I appreciate the care packages," Cullen said. "It's really important for patients who do visit the hospital because it is important for us to know that we can feel more at home." "The majority of the supplies that are provided by the hospital are not for ethnic skin or ethnic hair and are really cheap products," Founder of the Sickle Cell Coalition, Teanika Hoffman said. "So you want to give patients products that are high quality so that they can continue to heal through the process." By combining MLK Day with the event, volunteers were able to spread awareness about sickle cell as well as continue the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. "We want to take a page out of Dr. King's book and service our community," Hoffman said. "Come together and laugh and, enjoy each other, but also do something meaningful that can make an impact. " The kits will be distributed to patients at Capitol Region Health and Children's National Hospital.