Fredericksburg, VA – The Brothers of the Tau Rho Chapter, Third District, of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., volunteered their services as bell ringers for the Salvation Army Fredericksburg, VA Corps, at Giant Grocery 550 Celebrate Virginia Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA. In recent years, the Salvation Army struggled to get enough people to ring bells for their annual fundraisers. Basileus, Brother Tracy Whitehurst coordinated and organized efforts to reach out to the community and counties that the Tau Rho chapter serves. The Salvation Army kettle monetary donations help provide Christmas to hundreds of kids. Additionally, the donations are used to enable multiple Rappahannock area families to pay their mortgage, rent, utility, energy payments, and food stability. The Tau Rho Chapter kettle brought in $965.99. The Tau Rho volunteer bell ringers were Brothers, Tracy Whitehurst, Edward Hayes, Norris Arceneaux, Steve Gilchrist, James Lott, Michael Pullman, and Eugene Cox.

Building a strong community involves taking care of each other. Many in the Rappahannock area community struggle to stay warm each winter. Sadly, the numbers continue to rise. Brother Edward Hayes chaired and coordinated with local non-profits and churches to make the Coat Drive mission a huge success. Thanks to the dedication and hard work from the Brothers of Tau Rho Chapter, donations exceeded expectations. The coat drive netted 80 coats and sweaters. These items will be distributed to local people in need. Due to Covid-19, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines were followed.