Sorority's MLK Day Of Service Helps Out Local Charities

GREENBELT, MD -- More than 200 local members of a sorority gave back to the community Monday as a way to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, according to a press release.

The Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority hosted a Back to Basics: Meeting the Needs of Our Community event in observance of 25th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Day of Service. The volunteers worked alongside students and community members in packing and sorting hygiene products, canned goods, and clothing for those facing homelessness or food insecurity.

“The primary focus of this day is to uplift the theme of ‘A day on, not a day off’ and to serve together as a community,” said Benita Swindell, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter president, in the release. “Alpha Kappa Alpha’s motto is supreme service to all mankind and it’s important that we begin by serving in our local communities.”

Monday's volunteer event assembled hundreds of packages of food, hygiene products and men's and women's clothing for Oakland Elementary School; Laurel Advocacy and Laurel area shelters; and Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Fund.

The event supported two of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s global programs: “Operation AKA Assist,” which supports populations in need and the “Nutrition and Wellness” initiative, which promotes healthy lifestyles.