The Brothers of Gamma Pi Work to Serve the Community As Part of Omega Psi Phi's "Project 5000"
Bros. George DuBose (left) and Basileus Bro. Eric Fields with State Sen. Joanne Benson at food drive
During the days leading up to the Christmas Holiday Season, the Brothers of Gamma Pi Chapter did not take a holiday from community service. As part of a special Social Action initiative throughout the Fraternity's Second District (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania), Gamma Pi spent those days feeding needy families, senior citizens, and healthcare first responders. We also contributed to a local charity and donated "gently used" personal items to citizens in need throughout the region.
All of this activity is organized under a Second District Social Action Project called "Project 5000." All chapters in the District are required to participate. Last year through Project 5000, Second District chapters fed 25,479 people, contributed $10,616 to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and donated 344 pairs of gently used eyeglasses to Lion's Club International along with 1,590 pairs of gently used shoes to the Soles4Souls organization. The goal for Project 5000 this year is to exceed those numbers for the 2023-24 Fraternity Year.
Bro. Michael Colbert delivers food
To meet this year's goals, each chapter is asked to feed at least 500 people, donate $500 to the respective state Sickle Cell Disease Association, and collect 100 pairs of gently worn eyeglasses and 100 pairs of gently worn shoes for persons in need. Although the deadline is not until April 1, 2024, Gamma Pi Chapter completed these tasks over the holiday period. As of December 22, Gamma Pi fed 2200 families, donated $500 to the Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association, and collected and donated 125 pairs of lightly used shoes to DSW for Soles4Souls as well as 115 pairs of lightly used eyeglasses to the Lions Club for distribution to persons in need.
"The Brothers of Gamma Pi responded like we always do to community needs -- with intensity and haste," said Basileus Bro. Eric Fields. "While there are numerical goals we must meet, we never look at this as solely about numbers. We see the people behind the numbers. As Omega men, we are conditioned to serve."
Gamma Pi Chapter has an extensive Social Action program that is performing community service activities throughout Prince George's County each month. For more information, visit our chapter Website at http://www.gammapi.org
