Families in West Baltimore Benefit from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s Free Thanksgiving Meal Distribution

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Hosts Fifth Annual Turkey Giveaway for West Baltimore Families

BALTIMORE – In a robust display of community support, the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity organized a successful turkey giveaway on Saturday at Robert W. Coleman Elementary School and Frederick Elementary School. This initiative marked the fifth year of the fraternity’s commitment to providing assistance to families in need during the Thanksgiving season, a time traditionally associated with gratitude, family gatherings, and, unfortunately for many, financial strain.

The community outreach event targeted twelve Baltimore City schools identified by the fraternity as having the highest need for food assistance. As families across the region grapple with economic pressures exacerbated by factors such as the recent government shutdown and reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the importance of such initiatives has never been clearer.

Tyliesha McNair, a local grandmother who participated in the giveaway, expressed the necessity of this support, stating, “I’ve been needing a little help with my family for Thanksgiving because, with everyone working, we haven’t had enough food to feed the family.” McNair’s situation reflects a wider trend of food insecurity that many families are currently facing, underscoring the significance of community interventions like this.

State Senator Antonio Hayes, who serves both as a representative for the district and as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, emphasized the growing demand for assistance this year. “The need is definitely growing,” he noted, describing how the registration response for the event was swift and widespread. “We typically have a hard time finding families for the event, but this year’s response was almost instant. Families really want to receive this type of service and help,” he added.

The outreach event provided more than just turkeys; families received a collection of fresh produce and traditional Thanksgiving meal items, fostering a sense of community during a time of need. Children from the participating schools also took part in distributing the meals, encouraging their engagement in community service and empathy towards their neighbors.

Local resident Nadia Johnson commented on the timing of the giveaway, revealing that she learned about the initiative through a message from her grandson’s school. “It’s hard out here right now. Things are high,” she said, articulating the economic challenges many families experience in today’s world.

Gerald Harris, another community member, highlighted the vital role of events like the turkey giveaway in unifying those struggling during this challenging period. “It’s something for the community that brings everybody together,” he remarked. “A lot of people are struggling right now, and this is a tough time for many. It’s great that they’re doing this for the community.”

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity continues to exemplify the power of community engagement and support, bringing hope and sustenance to families who need it most. This effort serves as a reminder of the importance of unity during difficult times and the collective responsibility to aid one another in the pursuit of well-being.