For the second consecutive year, the Brothers of Gamma Pi Chapter in collaboration with Prince George's County Council At-large member Bro. Calvin Hawkins brought the holidays to life for hundreds of young local elementary school students and their families with a two-day Holiday Extravaganza.
The signature event featured food and games, holiday music, along with coat and toy giveaways and personal photos with Santa. This year the lucky students were from Suitland Elementary. Last year the chapter threw a big holiday extravaganza bash for the students of Panorama Elementary in Temple Hills.
The event was split over two days this year because of the massive attendance at Panorama in 2024 when the event was one night only. Even with the two-day format this year, the event was still packed both nights with eager and excited kids and trailing parents who seemed happy to have one more activity they could experience to put the exclamation point on the holidays. The first night was for grades K-2 and the second night covered children grades 3-5. On both nights, Santa and Mrs. Claus were the main attractions for the children.
In addition to the chapter and Bro. Councilman Hawkins, Friendship Charities, Inc. also provided support to the event. Toys and other gifts were contributed through a special Amazon gift registry link. Approximately 30 Brothers from The Super Chapter were on-site for both of the two nights handling an array of duties to make sure a good time was had by all. Gamma Pi men helped unload the food, manned the food lines, set up and placed chairs and tables and kept the flow of gifts and prizes going to the children throughout the two-hour affair.
"Our commitment to our community shines brightly this holiday season. Through the goodwill and generosity of the Brothers of Gamma Pi, we proudly present the Toy Extravaganza at Suitland Elementary, embodying our belief that nurturing connections and giving back are the true gifts of the season," said Bro. Terrance Hare, Gamma Pi Basileus. "Together, we can inspire joy and create lasting memories for our children, reminding us all of the power of community and compassion."The holiday festivities were punctuated by guest appearances from some important Prince George's County leaders: county schools interim superintendent Bro. Shawn Joseph, Maryland State Treasurer Bro. Dereck Davis and Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge Ada E. Clark-Edwards. Maryland District 25 Sen. Bro. Nick Charles and District 25 Del. Denise Roberts were also in attendance.
As is the custom of Gamma Pi, the Brothers use the end-of-the-year holiday period to check in with our two favorite constituencies -- children and seniors. Gamma Pi's holiday cheer began several weeks ago on Saturday, November 22, when a contingent of Gamma Pi Brothers delivered more than 100 Thanksgiving dinners to the seniors who live at Trinity Terrace in Temple Hills and Cheval Court in Forestville, both senior housing complexes.
The Extravaganza attracted coverage from two local news stations: WUSA Channel 9 and DC News Now.
Gamma Pi Vice Basileus Bro. John Morgan initiated the event last year as Social Action Chairman and reprised the event this year in his new role as Vice Basileus. He said, "The two-day Holiday Extravaganza at Suitland Elementary School exceeded every expectation. From the incredible volunteers of our Divine Nine family to the dedicated staff at Suitland Elementary, the outpouring of support was truly inspiring. Over the course of both days, seeing the smiling faces of students and the joy of grateful parents filled the space with true holiday cheer."Bro. Morgan added, "Moments like these remind us why we serve. The brothers of Gamma Pi and Friendship Charities Foundation were honored to be part of an event that brought genuine love, hope, and celebration to the community."
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