As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Iota Lambda Chapter assembled more than 300 hygiene kits for individuals and families served by shelters throughout the Midlands.
The project was one of several events held during the chapter’s Charter Week celebration. A charter is the official authorization that establishes a local chapter of an organization. Omicron Iota Lambda received its charter on May 30, 1986, allowing the chapter to begin serving the Columbia community under the banner of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This year marks 40 years since that milestone.
The initiative brought together members of Omicron Iota Lambda and Pi Alpha Chapter, along with community supporters who donated hygiene products and financial contributions. The chapter also partnered with Atkins Law Firm of Columbia, whose support helped make the project possible. In addition to the completed hygiene kits, organizers collected additional supplies that will also be distributed to local shelters throughout the Midlands.
While Charter Week includes a full schedule of events recognizing the chapter’s history and accomplishments, members say this service project best reflects the organization’s mission and values.
“Charter Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate our history, our members and the impact this chapter has made over the last 40 years,” said Brother Dr. Arthur E. Doctor Jr., president of Omicron Iota Lambda Chapter. “But this project is one of the most important things we’ll do all week because it puts service first. Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on the principle of service, and we wanted our celebration to include giving back to the community that has supported us for four decades. More than 300 hygiene kits will now reach people who need them, and that’s what this week is really about.”
Atkins Law Firm attorney and Alpha Phi Alpha member Brother Joseph Wideman said the partnership aligned with both organizations’ commitment to serving the community.
“Atkins Law Firm was honored to partner with Omicron Iota Lambda on this effort,” Wideman said. “The chapter has spent 40 years serving the Columbia community, and this project is a great example of that commitment in action. More than 300 hygiene kits will help meet a real need, and we’re proud to support an initiative that brings together service, community partnership and a genuine desire to help others.”
Members spent the evening sorting, organizing and packing donated items before preparing them for delivery to shelters across the Midlands.
For Omicron Iota Lambda, the project represents a commitment that has remained unchanged since the chapter was founded in Columbia 40 years ago: using collective service and community engagement to improve the lives of others. As the chapter celebrates its anniversary, members chose to honor the occasion not only by reflecting on their history but by giving back to the community that has supported the organization since 1986.
Since its establishment, Omicron Iota Lambda has supported youth mentoring, scholarship programs, community service initiatives, civic engagement efforts and educational programs throughout the Midlands.