Fraternity Project Aims To Feed Local Families

Dec. 13, 1999 -- More than one hundred Garrett Square families will enjoy a turkey dinner this Christmas because of the efforts of the Xi Iota and Lambda Zeta chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The Charlottesville and University of Virginia chapters of Omega Psi Phi hope to raise $900 for its First Annual Christmas Needy Family Food Drive to pay for turkeys, which they will deliver to Garrett Square Dec. 18.

"Hopefully we can let these families know someone cares," said project coordinator Irvin Johnson.

Garrett Square is a public housing development in downtown Charlottesville.

The University of Virginia undergraduate and Charlottesville graduate chapters of Omega Psi Phi, a historically black fraternity, are collaborating on the event. Local businesses, community members and University fraternities and sororities have donated money to the food drive.

Rather than giving food baskets to only a few families in Garrett Square, Omega Psi Phi members decided to make a larger impact by providing turkeys for every family. If they exceed their goal of $900, Omega Psi Phi brothers will buy additional food items and toys for the children.

The families will gather at the Garrett Square community center at 11 a.m. Dec. 18 to receive the items.

For more information, contact Irvin Johnson at (804) 979-7191.

Contact: Jill Johnson, (804) 924-8655

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: please contact the Office of University Relations at (804) 924-7116. Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804) 924-7550.
SOURCE: U.Va. News Services

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