JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. gave away 60 gift baskets in a community service initiative as part of its 65th anniversary celebration on Saturday on the campus of Edward Waters University.
The event supported families in Jacksonville’s Northwest Corridor by distributing 30 household essentials baskets and 30 nonperishable food baskets, each valued at $25. Household baskets will include cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, linens, cookware, and basic kitchen utensils, while food baskets will feature items such as rice, beans, pasta, cereals, flour, sugar, canned and dried goods, snacks, and beverages. Recipients also may receive a $25 gift card.
“This community service initiative represents the heart of who we are as men of Omega Psi Phi,” a chapter representative said. “As we celebrate 65 years of service, leadership and brotherhood, it is essential that we continue to pour into the very communities that have supported us — particularly the Northwest Corridor, which has deep historical and cultural significance to our chapter and Edward Waters University.”
Thirty of the baskets were distributed to the Campus Towers, a senior apartment complex across the street from EWU’s campus. Many of the residents were happy to receive them.
Watch seniors receive the baskets below.
Then they went to the student center to drop off gift baskets that had toiletries and other essential items. Cedaveon Waller said it felt good to give back in someone’s time of need.
The chapter collaborated with local organizations like New Breed Creation Life Center and Agape Community Health Center.
Tamera Powell is an alumnus and works with Agape, who wanted to support the event.
Duckworth Grange is a case manager with New Breed and a member of Omega Psi Phi.
“It’s just a great opportunity for us to be out here for the university...We want to be a part of giving back to the school as well as the community as a whole because as African-Americans, we experience a lot of mental health issues that goes unaddressed and here at Agape [and] New Breed, we provide those services and fill those gaps,” Grange said.
Tamera Powell is an alumnus and works with Agape, who wanted to support the event. She said that they are addressing the mental health conditions that local youth are facing with psychiatric services and therapists.
The community service initiative is one of several events marking the Chi Chapter’s 65 years of activity at Edward Waters University.