International Involvement and Awareness

“…for I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing…”

Mathew 25:35-36 was the verse that guided the Warner Robins Alumnae Chapter (WRAC) International Awareness and Involvement initiative themed, “All of God’s Children Got Shoes.” Through research and partnering with Soles4Souls, a Nashville Tennessee-based charity that distributes shoes to 130 countries, the WRAC’s International Awareness and Involvement committee recognized the urgent need to donate shoes to impoverished areas to assist in preventing the spread of diseases introduced through the feet, allow kids to attend school, and help create jobs to eradicate poverty.

Led by co-chairs, Jackie Stewart and Dr. Nicole Jackson, the committee organized a massive shoe drive that began on January 13, 2013 and culminated in a shoe packing/shipping event held on April 13, 2013. Determined to make a significant impact and to commemorate the sorority’s Centennial celebration, an admirable goal to collect over 2,013 pairs of shoes was established. To accomplish this feat, WRAC members reached out to community organizations to establish fifteen shoe drop-off locations. Walmart donated gift cards to purchase supplies. A local doctor donated a van to transport shoes, and over 60 volunteers helped count, pack, and load shoes. Through hard work and dedication, 2,585 pairs of shoes were donated to Soles4Souls. This noteworthy International Awareness and Involvement project was awarded the sorority’s Distinguished Service Award during the 51st Delta Sigma Theta National Convention held in July 2013.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. first supported World AIDS Day on December 1, 2008. The slogan “Stop AIDS! Keep the Promise,” was used to create awareness of HIV/AIDS in the community. World AIDS Day is celebrated yearly on December 1st. Warner Robins Alumnae Chapter continues to observe World AIDS Day by educating and empowering the community and motivating them to learn the facts about HIV/AIDS and prevention. Our focus is not only in our community in the United States, but also internationally as we address the HIV/AIDS plight in Africa.

The Warner Robins Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has collaborated with Socks for Courtney since 2016 for our annual Sock Drive. In 2016 WRAC collected over 800 socks for Socks for Courtney! In 2017 we held a succesful Sock Drive during our May Week activities.  Our socks traveled the world to children in need. Socks donations from Socks for Courtney travel to places such as Buckner Shoes/Socks for Orphan Soul, Haiti Relief Project, Families in Peru, and Various Nursing Homes and Homeless Shelters.  Alneata Kemp, founder of Socks for Courtney, visited our chapter in 2016 to share the powerful story of Courtney. Check out their website for more details: http://www.socksforcourtney.org