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On Jan. 20, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held their annual “We Are One” Day of Service event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The Suffolk chapter, Zeta Epsilon Omega, hosted theirs at Salvation Army, where they collected donations for the Ronald McDonald House as well as their CHIPP — Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack — program.

“[Martin Luther King Jr.] gave up himself for the community, for the United States,” chapter President Elke Boone said. “So it is an honor, a privilege, and obligation, to be able to serve on his date, on his birthday.”

Boone said they collected just under 900 items for the Ronald McDonald House and packed 268 bags for CHIPP. CHIPP is an Alpha Kappa Alpha initiative that provides weekend and holiday meals for children. The bags packed by Zeta Epsilon Omega support students at Mack Benn Jr. and Hillpoint elementary schools. 

“it’s an awesome feeling” to be able to donate so many items to those in need, especially on King’s birthday.  

“[It] just feels good to be able to help others that need it,” she said. “You know, to be there for someone in their time of need, that’s just an awesome feeling. And it’s also great to be continuing that legacy of service to mankind that our founders came up with.”

The chapter continues to be active in the community outside their Day of Service. Elke said they also provide scholarships to SPS and Isle of White students, they maintain a little free library in the Lake Kennedy neighborhood, they often host food drives and support the local Sickle Cell Association. 

Chapter First Vice President Cheryl Powell added they also recently donated over 500 items from a coat, hat, and scarf drive for the Salvation Army. They also participate in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Additionally, Elke said they have started sponsoring webinars every few months to help people with their financial literacy. 

In regard to their Day of Service, Elke said she enjoyed seeing so many people donating.

“The public showed up, and that was so awesome,” she said. “And it also brought in some local sorority sisters who aren’t a part of our chapter, and they just wanted to help as well. So that was great to see everybody coming together for this cause.”