Alphas, AKA’s help tornado victims in Columbia, Miss.

Alphas, AKA’s help tornado victims in Columbia, Miss.

When trouble arises, the Alcorn State University family is always willing to help those in need.

The members of Delta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, INC and Gamma Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC traveled to Columbia, Miss. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, to help clean up damage caused by a devastating tornado that destroyed portions of the city just two days before Christmas. The tornado swept through Marion and Jones counties, injuring about 20 people and claiming four lives. Multiple Mobil homes were totaled. Significant damage was also done to Highway 98 in Columbia.

Alcorn’s Greek members spent 11 hours performing community service acts such as removing furniture from damaged homes, tree trunks from yards and placing tarps on the top of homes with damaged and leaky roofs.

Member of Alpha Phi Alpha and Student Government Association (SGA) President Zackeus Johnson was pleased with the chance to aid those who desperately needed assistance.

“Volunteering always fills my heart and soul with joy and happiness,” said Johnson. “I was elated to help this town because they were in desperate need. It feels great to have a positive impact on the lives of others.”

Student ambassador Raven Stewart, who spent most of her childhood living in Los Angeles, Calif. before moving to Columbia as a teenager, was grateful for her family’s safety during the tragic storm.

“Thankfully, my family was blessed enough not to have been directly affected by the tornado,” said Stewart. “One of our cars were totaled, but that doesn’t compare to those who lost loved ones.”

The generous act by Stewart’s fellow Alcornites showed how caring her friends and the Alcorn family could be during tough times.

“I was tremendously touched that my friends came out to help the citizens of Columbia. The tornado ravaged the city and deprived families of their homes and cars. I was overwhelmed by the compassion shown by each of the students that took time to contribute to the disaster relief efforts.”