Community Christmas Blessing

Fredericksburg, VA – On Saturday, December 17, 2022, the Brothers of the Tau Rho Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., volunteered as Bell ringers for the Salvation Army Fredericksburg, VA Corps, at Walmart 11 Village Parkway Celebrate, Fredericksburg, VA. In recent years, the Salvation Army faced unprecedented challenges securing volunteers as bell ringers for this annual fundraiser. Brother Tracy D. Whitehurst, Basileus (Pi Gamma 80), coordinated the event. This is the third year in a row that Tau Rho has supported the Salvation Army. The kettle donations provide Christmas gifts to hundreds of children in the Rappahannock region and aid area families to assist them in paying mortgages, rent, utilities, and food stability.

This year’s event brought in $357.72. Tau Rho received a letter of appreciation from Ms. Laura Stempien, Coordinator for the Salvation army. In addition, as in previous Winters, many people in the Rappahannock area community struggle to stay warm. Building strong communities involves taking care of each other within the community. A total of 35 brothers turned out for the event to ring the bell.

Additionally, at the same location, in coordination with the Salvation Army Event, Brother Edward Hayes (Omicron Sigma, 1980) organized and coordinated with the Thurman Brisben Center, a local non-profit, to collect and donate new or gently used coats and much-needed items to families. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the brothers of the Tau Rho Chapter, donations exceeded expectations. More than 75 coats, sweaters, and other items were collected, purchased, and donated to the Thurman Brisben Center. These items are allocated for distribution to people in need within the Rappahannock region. The Brothers of Tau Rho continue to “Lift as we climb” in supporting our Six service areas around the greater Fredericksburg Area.