SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING AND SHOP WITH THE QUES

During the winter holiday season, the Brothers of Sigma Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. dedicated time to support the community of Ann Arbor. Brothers coordinated 3 days to help raise money for the Salvation Army through their bell ringing initiative at Briarwood mall in Ann Arbor, Mi on November 25th, December 10th, and December 17th. In addition, the Brothers held their annual Shop With The Ques initiative on December 6th allowing students from Holmes Elementary School to do some extra Christmas shopping this holiday.

Submitted

By:

Bro. Derrian Cooley

Brothers stood located inside the mall just outside of Macy’s department store spreading smiles, stories, and the Omega Spirit to passersby as they finished up some last-minute shopping. Shoppers showed immense support as they stopped to chat, donate, and meet the Brothers of Sigma Rho. Some even sent over their children to donate as well. A few shoppers even shared their experiences with the Salvation Army. One anonymous donor shared how he appreciated the service Brothers were doing and the impact the Salvation Army had on his life. Noting that he himself had been a recipient of the donations raised through the bell ringing initiative and how proud he was to see the Men of Omega uplifting such an amazing cause. Another shopper stopped to share she too volunteers to ring the bell for the Salvation Army and to wish the Brothers a Merry Christmas.

As Christmas closed in, the Brothers of Sigma Rho took 50 students from Holmes Elementary School in Ypsilanti to a local Meijer so they could do some of their own Christmas shopping. Each student received a $100 gift card and were allowed to pick out whatever they wanted. Students raced through the aisles grabbing toys, snacks, and other items. They even went the extra mile to grab things they knew their families needed at home or gifts for their siblings. It was extremely humbling and heartwarming to see these students put some of their desires aside to look out for their families. The Brothers of Sigma Rho showed up and showed OWT this holiday season. Sigma Rho would like to thank the Salvation Army for allowing us to participate in such an impactful event. As well as Brothers J.M. White and Miles Booker for their due diligence in coordinating and carrying out these initiatives. These initiatives not only uplifted the community of Ann Arbor, but the Brothers of Sigma Rho as well.