December 23, 2005

Christmas has always been a time of giving and sharing, especially to those who are less fortunate. The members of the Gamma Alpha Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in Cleveland Ohio know all too well the importance of giving. As a part of their long history of philanthropy efforts, the Men of Sigma recently completed its Annual Adopt-A-Family For Christmas program. This year’s recipient was Miss Shalimar Trotter. Shalimar is an 11 year old whose life began with many challenges. At birth, Shalimar was born without ears and has undergone several operations to have a hearing aid implant along with prosthetic ears. Miss Shalimar’s primary caregiver is Ms. Valerie Trotter. The Sigma members surprised the family by showing up with several gift items ranging from clothes, to a winter coat and toys including several Bratz Dolls collectibles (Shalimar’s favorite). The group also provided Valerie with monetary gifts to assist with her gas bill as well as a Tops Gift Card to use for Christmas Dinner.

“This type of giving is always special because it highlights what our organization was founded on... Service.” This was the comment from Ed Long, President of Gamma Alpha Sigma.

The Adopt-A-Family is also done in conjunction with the Sigma Beta Club at Benedictine High School, which is the auxiliary youth group of Phi Beta Sigma. As a part of their philanthropic initiatives, the Adopt-A-Family Program helps the members of the Sigma Beta Club see the benefits of community service.

Bro. Bobby Shepherd played a key role in organizing the chapter, selecting the family, and coordinating the shopping and gift wrapping. In attendance at the Trotter home were members Bobby Shepherd, Ed Long, Fred Kennedy, Victor Hill, and Elliott Anderson.