By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The Toledo Alumnae Chapter (TAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted its annual Joy of Giving holiday toy drive at the Glass City Enrichment Center Friday, December 6 to support the children of Lucas County Children’s Services and Family House. This year the anticipated event also included a new twist– line dancing!
The event, which the sorority has hosted in numerous places over the past 40 years, is a signature event of the Toledo Delta Alumnae Chapter. The evening is free and open to the public. Those who attend were encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or an African American doll for a child for the holiday season.
“We typically raise anywhere between 200-400 toys each year to give to Lucas County Family Services and Family House. So, it’s really a blessing,” stated Ki’Erra Young, Joy of Giving chairperson who expressed her excitement by the turnout. “We know it’s very stressful around this time for Christmas gifts for parents so to be able to help the community and do this is great,” she continued.
This is Young’s first year as Joy of Giving chairperson. “I wanted to do something different this year to bring out the community… get people out to move and promote physical and mental health. If we can bring people out to do the things they enjoy while we’re also doing a great thing by raising toys — I think it’s a great initiative,” she shared.
Since 1972, The Toledo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has led numerous activities emphasizing scholarship, public service, and international involvement. Breakfast for M ‘Lady, its annual fundraiser, awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors. More than $250,000 has been awarded to date. The chapter has also sponsored a Habitat for Humanity house in Africa.
Voter registration activities, mentoring and tutoring youth and sponsoring and participating in mental and physical health awareness events are just some ways the organization has given back to the northwest Ohio community.
To learn more about the Toledo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta visit their website at http://dsttoledo.org/ or on social media.
