Gamma Delta Chapter Brings Holiday Cheer to Families in Need Through Thanksgiving Outreach

The holiday season often highlights the joy of gathering around a warm meal with loved ones. Yet, many families face challenges that make this simple pleasure difficult to enjoy. On Monday, November 17th, 2025, the Gamma Delta Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. took meaningful action to change that reality for some families in Richmond. Their Thanksgiving Outreach effort partnered with Safe Harbor Shelter, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, to provide essential holiday meals and gifts.

Supporting Families Facing Crisis

Safe Harbor Shelter serves individuals and families who have experienced trauma and crisis. For these families, the holidays can be especially difficult. The Gamma Delta Chapter recognized this need and responded with generosity and care. They donated five fully stocked Thanksgiving meal kits, each containing:

• Stuffing mix

• Cornbread mix

• Canned vegetables

• Instant mashed potatoes

• Gravy

• Cranberry sauce

• Boxed dessert

  
  

Along with the meal kits, the chapter included five $25 gift cards to help families purchase

any additional items they might need for a complete holiday meal.

Community Collaboration and Contributions

The success of this outreach came from the combined efforts of many. Soror Cynthia Stinchcomb led the shopping and decorating team, ensuring each kit was not only practical but also welcoming and festive. The chapter also received generous support from Food Lion and Dr. Yvonne Bibbs, who contributed a total of $100 in gift cards. The Men of Iota (MOI) pitched in to help with decorations, adding a special touch to the meal kits.

This collaboration highlights the strength of community partnerships and the spirit of giving that defines the Gamma Delta Chapter’s work.

Hands-On Delivery and Volunteer Engagement

On the day of delivery, Sorors Cynthia Rollins, Virginia Johnson, Gail Davis, Cynthia Stinchcomb, and LaQuita Bruce personally brought the meal kits and gift cards to Safe Harbor Shelter. They were joined by three community volunteers, showing how service extends beyond the chapter to include the wider community.

This hands-on approach allowed the group to connect directly with the shelter and reinforce the message that these families are not alone during the holidays.

Gamma Delta Chapter donating 5 Thanksgiving dinner kits to Safe Harbor Shelter.

The Impact of Thanksgiving Outreach in 2025

The Gamma Delta Chapter’s Thanksgiving Outreach is more than a one-time event. It reflects a deep commitment to service, generosity, and sisterhood that defines Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. By providing these meal kits, the chapter helped families facing crisis experience the comfort and warmth of a holiday meal.

This effort also serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. For families at Safe Harbor Shelter, the meal kits and gift cards offered not just food, but hope and a sense of community during a challenging time.

How You Can Help Make a Difference

If this story inspires you, consider ways to support similar efforts in your community:

• Donate food or gift cards to local shelters

• Volunteer your time to help prepare or deliver meals

• Organize a group effort with friends, family, or colleagues

• Spread awareness about organizations supporting families in crisis

• Donate to Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. Gamma Delta Chapter

  
  

Every contribution counts and helps build a stronger, more caring community.