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The Zeta Amicae Auxiliary gave out bags of nonperishable foods in the Hoffler Apartments on Monday.

The auxiliary gathered at noon outside Hoffler Apartments to give out more than 50 bags of food to those in need.

“With COVID-19, people are having a hard time getting food, especially with food banks running out,” said Brenda Hunter, Zeta Amicae member. “We wanted to come out here today to help the best we can.”

The food giveaway was an end-of-the-year event for the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary. Throughout the year, the auxiliary did various other programs such as Thanksgiving dinner baskets, Black History program dinners, and working with nursing homes.

“This is our first year giving out food here,” said Virginia Jones, president of Zeta Amicae Auxiliary. “As an auxiliary, our goal is to help the community and to give back any way we can.”

The Zeta Amicae members usually hold fundraisers for their larger-scale donations and events. The members of Zeta Amicae fully funded this giveaway. The bags of food included various nonperishables such as boxed macaroni and cheese, soups and canned vegetables.

“We know people don’t want to go out and shop for food with the virus,” said Patricia Hyman, Zeta Amicae member. “We know it’s mainly seniors that can’t get out right now. We are here for them and to make sure they are taken care of.”

Zeta Amicae is an auxiliary of the Epsilon Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, who, according to the chapter’s president, Tameka Williams, “are helping others to excel through mind, body, and spirit in our local communities.”

With about 20 members in the Suffolk auxiliary, these women do what they can for those who need it.