EASTON — Hhundreds of Easton residents lined up on Glenwood Avenue to receive turkeys and packaged meals, thanks to the efforts of the Iota Alpha Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The distribution, held at the American Legion Blake-Blackston Post 77, aimed to provide holiday support to families in need.
Doug Rogers, a member of Iota Alpha Alpha, and Easton Mayor Megan Cook addressed attendees at the start of the event.
“This is a great opportunity to give back to your community,” Mayor Cook said, expressing gratitude to local organizations for their contributions that would benefit residents not just during Thanksgiving week but throughout the holiday season.
Rogers emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as the Dock Street Foundation, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Neighborhood Service Center, and Building African American Minds Center in making the event a success.
“This truck, it was filled to the brim,” Rogers said, describing the sheer volume of donations. The chapter distributed over 200 turkeys and certificates for full meals. Any uncollected items were set to be donated to the Neighborhood Service Center, ensuring the food would reach those in need later.
The distribution also included a giveaway of winter clothing, further expanding the event’s reach and impact. Rogers hopes the initiative, the first held at Blake-Blackston Post 77, will continue to grow in future years.
Founded in 1911 at Howard University, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is committed to public service. Rogers highlighted the fraternity’s motto, “Friendship is essential to the soul,” as a guiding principle in the chapter’s community engagement.
“When we start talking about giving, we start talking about what the Lord calls us to do—serve people,” Rogers said. “We’re a service organization first and foremost. … The little bit that we can do is about serving God and His people. That’s at our core.”
The cheerful atmosphere and dedication of the men of Iota Alpha Alpha exemplified their commitment to service. As Rogers put it, “We’re living our creed.”
Source: The Star Democrat, By KONNER METZ
