Zetas serve turkey, fixings to Sunrise Towers residents

 Sorority has been serving Thanksgiving meals to seniors, disabled and low-income residents of Sunrise for the past 10 years.

The residents of Sunrise Towers had something special to look forward to for Thanksgiving  Nov. 20.

Winston-Salem State's Omega chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. held its annual Thanksgiving dinner at Sunrise Tower in Winston-Salem.

Sunrise Towers is the headquarters for the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem and provides housing for the seniors, disabled, and low-income residents.

Dr. Sadie Webster, co- adviser and a member of Zeta Phi Beta for more than 50 years, said that the Omega chapter has had the event at Sunrise for more than 10 years.

Gwen Bonner, site manager of Social Services, said the sorority members served everyone present. "They served staff and maintenance," she said.  "The food is delicious."

The organization cooked and served four turkeys, corn, green beans, rolls, potato salad, angel food cake, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, macaroni and cheese, jello, and tea.

Bonner said that there are approximately 200 residents in the building.

 The meals were served in the building kitchen.  Some meals were delivered to residents unable to come downstairs.   

Bonner said she enjoys seeing people put a smile on their faces and eat together.  "It brings them together."

The event is a part of the ‘Z-Hope' program, which stands for Zetas Helping Other People.

"It's always something that we do voluntarily," said Shriee Campbell, a member of the Omega chapter.  

 "It's a tradition for our chapter."

Dr. Rebecca Caldwell, a computer science lecturer at WSSU and co-adviser of the chapter said, "I think it has a great impact on the community.  It's something they look forward to. It's the highlight of their Thanksgiving." 

The organization holds other charity events for the holidays such as the upcoming "Toys 4 Tots drive" and "Sleep Out for the Homeless," awareness program hosted by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.