The “ice cold” brothers of The Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity are demonstrating a warm heart this holiday season. BN Angel Tree is an extension of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program which is set to help provide clothing items and/or toys for children and the elderly of needy families through the support of donors.
“The Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Salvation Army partnered together to make a child in need’s Christmas a little bit brighter,” said Anthony Bell, chapter president and fourth-year business administration major from Duval County.
Angel Trees are decorated with numbered paper angel tags that include the first name, age, gender, wants and needs of the child or elderly individual who is in need of a present. The tags are removed from the tree by generous contributors who plan to purchase gifts for the child or elderly individual that is described on the tag that they choose.
The brothers of Beta Nu introduced this program to the campus of Florida A&M University in 2013 and have continued the tradition ever since. “The Christmas season is a time of love and charity. It feels good knowing you made a difference in a child’s life,” said Jabari Knox, first vice president of the Beta Nu chapter.
The gift options range from pajama sets to bicycles. The brothers have made it their mission to encourage the students of FAMU to donate as many bikes as possible. They call it the #BNBikeChallenge.
Last year, they were able to donate almost 100 bikes. “This year we are challenging Rattlers and FAMU organizations to buy bikes for children and reach our goal of 200 bikes for children for Christmas. The #BNBikeChallenge is easy and can make a big difference in a child’s life,” said Knox.
Chairmen of the event, Marvin Leveille, has set a goal to provide gifts for more than 800 children and elderly men and women. “This gesture of goodwill provides less fortunate children with gifts and necessities that they would not normally receive during the holiday season,” said Leveille.
Anyone looking to participate in the BN Angel Tree program can pick up their tag in the front of Coleman Library from any member of Beta Nu. All donations are due by Tuesday, Dec. 3.