Arms of Alpha Thanksgiving Day Service Event 2021

The history of Omicron Delta Lambda chapter is very similar to the origins of Alpha Phi Alpha. During the early 80′s, there were a large number of Alphas who had graduated from college and were living in Philadelphia - but  were not affiliated with any alumni chapter in the city.Visitodlalphas.orgfor more information

Omicron Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha

Good day Co-Workers, Family and Friends,
It is that time. Every year, for over a decade and a half, we have been doing our Thanksgiving Day

Columbia North YMCA

<h2>Good day Co-Workers, Family and Friends,</h2>During the holiday season, families and friends reunite to share the spirit of fellowship. Unfortunately, not everyone has a meal, home, or family to fellowship with during this time of year. That sentiment rings even more true today as we all continue to be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.For nearly 30 years, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., National Temple Baptist Church, and the Columbia North YMCA have joined forces to provide a respite for those in need during what should be a time of celebration and gratitude. This year, we are once again sponsoring our annual Arms of Alpha community service program, which provides services, feeds, and clothes those in need. This day of service will occur at the Columbia North YMCA, 1400 N. Broad Street (on Broad between Master and Jefferson Street) on Thanksgiving morning, 2021. Our collaborative efforts will provide a wonderfully prepared Thanksgiving Day meal as well as COVIDCare packs, Winter Packs and Hygiene Packs.  Due to the ongoing Co-vid 19 pandemic, and to ensure the health and safety of both volunteers and participants, this year’s Arms of Alpha event will feature a few changes from prior years. Most notably, this year, the meals will be prepared and packaged in advance and given to guests outside of the YMCA’s front doors so that our guests can take the meals to go.In the past, the local Divine 9 organizations have partnered with us in helping to donating time, money, clothes and toiletries for our guests. This event would not be possible without your continued support and we sincerely thank you for assisting us in serving Philadelphia’s most underserved and vulnerable individuals. If your chapter or family would like to participate again this year, there are three ways you may help us make a meaningful contribution to the community. The first way we can partner is by helping us distribute flyers to local shelters, gas stations and grocery/ convenience stores leading up to Arms of Alpha 2021. The two distribution days/times will be Saturday (11/20) from 1pm-3pm, and Tuesday (11/23) from 7pm-8pm. Both days we will convene in front of the Columbia North YMCA and proceed to distributing flyers. The second way we can partner is by donating items to help us make the Winter Packs (hats, gloves etc.), the Hygiene Packs (Male and Female items) and COVIDCare Packs (small hand sanitizer, prepackaged gloves/ masks). Donations can be dropped off at the Columbia North YMCA during their regular hours in the month of November. The third way we can partner is by donating monetarily. No amount is too small and 100% of donations goes straight to the work we are doing. We understand that many of you are facing various challenges, and we recognize that this is a difficult time for everyone. Given that, the decision to hold this event was made only after careful deliberation. While we are mindful of the widespread suffering that currently plagues many, we are also mindful that many of us remain blessed beyond measure. Arms of Alpha has made a positive impact on the community and we believe that holding it will provide much needed nourishment and encouragement to those who need it most. We hope that you will share our sentiment that it is in times like these when our lights must shine brightest. We hope, in the spirit of giving, and in the spirit of uplifting humanity, that you will partner with us again this year.For more information please feel free to connect with us at contact@odlalpha.com. The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Delta Lambda Chapter consider it a privilege and honor to serve our community alongside you. We thank you in advance for partnering with us and pray that you have a joyous and safe holiday season.