On Sunday afternoon, plenty of fans in and around Atlanta took time to "rise up" after a thrilling last second victory in a playoff game. Next Monday, metro-Atlanta is invited to "rice" up in an effort to do more than just cheer for their favorite team or players, but to lend cheer and encouragement to those who are new to the area due to newly arrived families, many of whom are doing so to avoid prosecution and other interrelated issues.
On Monday, January 21st, many are taking time to celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Some groups may engage in marches of unity, and others are taking time to conduct community service. And one such organization is the North Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Iota Zeta Sigma Chapter).
From 9am-12:30pm, members of the chapter are participating in the Rice for Refugees program. Taking place at the Clarkston Community Center, the chapter is inviting and encouraging its members, affiliates, friends, and associates to join them, along with bringing a bag of rice.
A bag of rice?
"We are asking our friends and associates to join us and bring a bag of long grain rice", notes chapter member Toni Toombs Gordon.
She explained through the program, a donated bag of rice is able to feed a newly arrived refugee family for one week. During a time of transition, anxiety, and a myriad of emotions given the nature of their "relocation" and other adjustments, this simple and straightforward gesture can provide immeasurable support and help families maintain a sense of optimism and resilience.
For those interested in volunteering with the chapter and the larger collaboration with the Clarkston Community Center, Clarkston UMC , the Lutheran community of Metro Atlanta, Clarkston Inter-faith groups and involved residents, you may register on-line. Prior to the 9am start (at 8:30am), all volunteers are able to arrive and hear more of the firsthand accounts of the individuals and families they are able to help with the project of the day.
Many have heard about how the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is more of a day on and not a day off. Through these and other consistent service and stewardship pieces, the women of the North Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, their affiliates, families, friends, and associates, are able to provide an example of adhering to this mantra and more importantly, make a constructive impact in the lives of others in the metro-Atlanta community.
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