The Beta House Philanthropy week works with major national organizations like the Salvation Army, American Cancer Society and others, but this year, a new group will be in the mix of beneficiaries from the Westminster Greek organization - Fulton residents.
"There's been a big lapse between the community of Fulton and the Greek community," said Anthoney Ellis, member of Beta Theta Pi and organizer. "What I'm trying to do is bring the Green organization together for the better of the community."
The Beta House decided to have a Turkey Day Giveaway on Friday, Nov. 19, and plans to work with each Greek organization at Westminster as well as the organizations at William Woods.
"We are trying to raise 25 or more turkeys to give out to needy families in the Fulton area," Ellis said. "Poverty and lack of food has been a common problem through people's lives."
Ellis said the economy was a driving factor in the decision to plan the Turkey Day Giveaway.
"It has been one of the biggest negatives for America and the world for the past five years," Ellis said. "I just felt whatever we could do to help we would do."
Ellis and the organizations participating in philanthropy week have created a proposal for local organizations to participate in the giveaway. They plan to go to many of the businesses, beginning today to get donations for the giveaway.
The group is asking for $40 for each Turkeyday Giveaway package. That will pay for one turkey a package of Stove-top dressing, three canned goods and a fruit punch to drink. The sponsors will have their name printed on the back of the Beta Saves the World T-shirt.
The group is also accepting donated food items.
"We just want to see what people will do to help," Ellis said. "It's really a great cause."
The Beta House will work with the United Way as well as other local organizations to identify the neediest families in Fulton.
"With the economy, the Thanksgiving tradition can be lost. There are lots of families in minimum wage or no salary at all," Ellis said. "We wanted to keep the family tradition alive and give kids and families something to look forward to on Thanksgiving Day."
The Turkey Day Giveaway will begin at 3 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Beta House. Anyone who wants to donate to the organization can contact Ellis at 314-413-0822.