Feeding families at the holidays
The Cleveland County Divine 9 Committee recently providing the staple of Thanksgiving dinners to those in need in the community.
A week ahead of the big day, the group, comprised of local fraternities and sororities sponsored, hosted their annual Turkey Giveaway at both the Shelby and Forest City Housing authorities.
According to the Shelby Housing Authority, 67 families were served which included distribution of 63 turkeys and four turkey breasts.
Shelby Housing Director Bryan Howell said the event was a great success.
Nationally, the Divine 9 is a collaborative umbrella of historically African American fraternities and sororities also referred to as the National Pan Hellenic Council. Organized in 1930.
Member organizations that comprise the Divine 9 are primarily involved in programs and projects that promote community service, scholarships, mentoring, civic leadership, cultural development, community outreach and combating educational, economic and health disparities.
Member organizations representing Cleveland County are the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Also, part of the Divine 9 collectives are the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
“The Cleveland County D9 Committee is always grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. Each year it is our goal to bring turkeys to the local housing authorities. This year we superseded our goal in both Shelby and the Forest City locations,” said D9 President and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Barbara Borders.
The Divine 9 of Cleveland County has participated in several joint community projects, including the recently held College and Career Fair at Mt. Calvary, the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and providing scholarships to deserving high school seniors.
For more information on the local organization, contact Richard Hooker, 704-692-7840, or Barbara Borders, at 704-923-2468.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Feeding families at the holidays
