Every second Saturday, the Columbia, Maryland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. can be found at Columbia Community Care’s (CCC) headquarters, sorting, packing, and distributing essential items for local families.
The partnership between the sorority and CCC began in 2022 when Samantha Phillips-Chester, then serving as the Community Outreach Chair for the Columbia chapter, noticed CCC’s work in her neighborhood. “I live in the Swansfield Elementary area, and during the pandemic, I saw CCC posted up at the school,” Phillips-Chester recalls. “They were ensuring that families affected by the pandemic were getting food, bikes, and other resources. They were the only community-facing organization in my area, and I knew instantly I wanted to partner with them.”
The sorority was quick to lend their support. “I looked them up, did old-fashioned grassroots research, and signed my whole chapter up,” says Phillips-Chester. We maxed out the volunteer slots on the second Saturday, and that’s where we’ve been ever since.”
The partnership has only grown stronger. Each month, a dedicated group of Delta sisters—many of whom return regularly—show up at CCC to do whatever is needed. “We sort food, package diapers, and deliver items,” says chapter president Eugenia Woodson. “We also organize food drives to help the residents who are in need and take the donations to CCC.”
Phillips-Chester adds, “We wish we could do more, but we do what we can to help those who are dedicated to the cause every day.”
The Emotional Impact of Giving Back
Jarnice Johnson, a co-chair of the Community Outreach Committee, describes the work as humbling but incredibly rewarding. Sorting and packing items like diapers and sanitary supplies can be a stark reminder of the community’s needs. “We split packs of diapers and count out wipes,” she says. “It’s humbling to realize that something so small is such a big deal for a family in need.”
Trina Cobb, another co-chair of the Community Outreach Committee, shares a similar sentiment: “It’s a reminder of how much we take for granted. When I’m counting out wipes or splitting a pack of diapers into five portions, it makes me think about the parents who are trying to make that last all week.”
“It’s humbling to know that I have to scoop sugar or rice into smaller portions to make sure everyone gets a little,” Phillips-Chester shares. “It really hits home when you realize that something as small as a cup of coffee or a roll of toilet paper can make a difference in someone’s day.”
These experiences fuel their dedication to CCC. “There’s nothing worse than not being able to feed your family,” Johnson says. “As a single parent, I know how hard it is to put food on the table. Anything I can do to help another family in that situation is a privilege.”
A Commitment to Combat Hunger and Insecurity
For the Columbia chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, their work at CCC goes beyond just providing food and supplies. It’s about addressing the broader issues of poverty and inequality that affect so many families. “Our mission is to advocate for those who are experiencing insecurities around food, housing, or basic needs,” says Woodson. “No one in Howard County should have to choose between paying their electric bill or eating.”
The sorority also supports CCC’s back-to-school initiatives and holiday toy drives, ensuring that local children have the supplies and gifts they need. “We understand that parents not only face food insecurities but also struggle during back-to-school time and the holidays,” says Johnson. “So, we step in to provide whatever we can—whether it’s school supplies or toys for the holidays.”
Looking to the Future
As the partnership between Delta Sigma Theta and CCC continues to grow, the sorority plans to deepen its involvement, especially as the holiday season approaches. “We’ll be organizing a toy drive as part of our Jingle Mingle event,” Phillips-Chester shares. “It’s open to the public, and we collect toys to donate to CCC so that local families have something to celebrate during the holidays.”
The chapter has contributed over 540 hours of service to CCC since they began volunteering, and Phillips-Chester intends to continue growing that number. “We will stay committed as long as CCC is here. This is our community, and we’re here to serve it.”
Would your group like to volunteer with CCC? Explore opportunities here.