Christmas Day Celebration

It is always better to give than to receive

For the past twenty-one years the Brothers of the Chi Sigma Chapter have been serving the public on Christmas Day.  SCEI has joined forces with the Chi Sigma chapter to provide additional resources to the community.  Historically, this program began as an outreach of the Newark YMCA where many homeless and less fortunate are provided free housing.  Later the event was moved to the Central Ward of Newark, where a great need was seen for the families of our Sigma Beta Club members at the South 17th St. School.  Through the years and due to great community partnerships and support from our Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta the resources for the Christmas Day Program were such that a second location was added to serve another community in need.  Thus the Plainfield, NJ portion of the Christmas Day Program was born.

Since starting to service two communities- Plainfield and Newark- the chapter has served over 1,500 individuals (over 400 families) at the two locations on Christmas Day.  Hot meals are served by the hundreds of volunteers who turn out each year.  Additionally, those in the community are given gently used articles of clothing and coats and EVERY child in attendance is given at least one unwrapped toy.  Among the community partners who help to make this event an overwhelming success in service are: The MCJ Amelior Foundation, 21st CCLC, South 17th Street and Washington School principals and staff and our Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.