For the Holidays, Fraters Make a Difference for a New Jersey Family

LAWRENCE, NJ --The Epsilon-Zeta chapter, located on the Rider University campus, did its part to make one family's holiday a bit more comfortable.

The men of TKE took part in the Holiday Projects, Adopt-A-Family Program through the Mercer County Board of Social Services.

"This activity is not part of the official agency scope of services but is an 'extracurricular activity' that staff volunteer to do here at the agency," said Management Assistant Christine Wilson.

The project itself is split into two components. The first is the collection and distribution of toys to families, and the second is the more involved Adopt-A-Family option. In this case, clothing and household items also are part of the donation to the agency.

Wilson and social worker Jason Weber worked with Frater Jose Jalandoni, community service chairman, to set up the brothers with a local family, for whom TKE bought and wrapped several presents -- toys, clothes, and home appliances -- to be delivered by Weber at a later date.

"It's a good organization to get involved with and definitely something we would like to continue," said newly elected Prytanis Joseph Haubrich. "The biggest thing about this is that we raised awareness and gave to a family in need, and that they can have a better holiday because of it."

The Offices of the Grand Chapter applaud the efforts of this and all of the other projects performed during the holiday season by Fraters across North America.

Adapted from The Times, a New Jersey newspaper. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.