Sorority With Service DNA Helps Donate 17,000 Meals Ahead of Tropical Storm Barry

When faced with the decision of whether or not to cancel their 54th National Convention ahead of Tropical Storm Barry, leaders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. chose to err on the side of caution. In doing so, they made sure their unexpected disruption could benefit others in need. 

“While we had to make a quick decision on closing a convention that was going well, I know it was the right thing to do for the welfare of our members and guests. We were able to adjust our agenda and get the business of Delta done in spite of the storm,” the sorority’s president, Beverly Smith told Because of Them We Can.

With their biannual convention, which was being held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, ending two days early, over 17,000 meals that the sorority purchased through Centerplate, would no longer be needed. However, instead of discarding them, the sorority cleared the way for Centerplate to have Second Harvest Food Bank pick the meals up before the storm hit.

“As a service-based organization, I am glad the food we purchased to handle our 17,000 attendees won’t go to waste. I am delighted that Centerplate will be able get those meals to others in need. If we can help serve someone with meals as they go through their personal storms, then our work and purpose is still being fulfilled,” Smith said.

According to 4WWL, Second Harvest Food said they would store the meals over the weekend and “then deliver them to storm victims, shelters, first responders and others after the storm clears out.”

The spokesman for Second Harvest Food, Jay Vise, thanked the sorority for the donation.

“It’s really heartwarming for these ladies when their major conference gets canceled, the first thing they thought of was to help other people,” Vise said.

Helping and serving others has been embedded in Delta Sigma Theta’s DNA since its founding in 1913. One its first acts of public service took place just two months after their inception when members participated in a women’s suffrage march in Washington, DC.

Thank you ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for showing the world what matters, in this case it was safety and service.