BERKELEY – It was nearly 100 degrees out, but that didn’t stop a group of people harvesting vegetables for those in need.
Volunteers included members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. (Iota Chi Sigma Chapter) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. (Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter) both of the Jersey Shore and serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties; and members of Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ including Pastor David Graham and Reverend Thomas Jacobs Sr.
The joint community service event was organized by Jacobs, Graham (both 2025 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc- Iota Chi Sigma Chapter Father Of The Year Honorees), and fraternity member/Unity Pride founder Robert Taylor.
“This was truly a great experience for our fraternity and our sisters (Zetas). We thrive on supporting and uplifting communities any chance we get, so to come out to take part in harvesting along with Sadie Vickers and Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ, it was definitely an honor and blessing for us all,” said Chris Melvin Sr., the chapter’s Sigma-Zeta Liaison.
“It was definitely hot out there … but NO ONE complained. We were on a mission, and we got through it and completed the job as planned,” he added.
Melvin said that he grew up learning how to garden from his late mother, but for many of the fraternity and sorority members in attendance, it was their first time doing so.
“Any chance we get to work with the church, we are all for it. It’s always a blessing to do community service events with our Zeta sisters … to get us all together as one to serve the community … it doesn’t get any better than this,” he said.
The Sadie Vickers CommUnity Garden took root last year to nourish the residents of Manitou Park. It took 85 volunteers working the land from April through August. The garden is on First Avenue, across from the Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ.
Reverend David Graham of the church, said “The food grown here has been a blessing to so many in need and we appreciate the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma for organizing this with us.”
Graham also serves as the chief executive officer of the Sadie Vickers Community Resource Center, which is right next door. It works as a bridge connecting Manitou Park to services they might not be able to reach otherwise. There’s no public transportation and some people don’t have vehicles.
The Center, on First Avenue in Manitou, is more accessible. There’s a calendar of events where organizations can send a representative to have boots on the ground in an underserved area.
The late Sadie Vickers was a member of the church. At a ceremony naming First Avenue after her, Reverend Graham said she was known for welcoming people in, and saying “Let me fix you something to eat.”
You can find more information about them at sadievickers.org; 1-848-226-3930; info@sadievickers.org
Fundraiser
Manitou Park is a thriving community with a strong summer program that engages local youth called Unity Pride. The annual party fundraiser for Unity Pride will be held on July 11 at the Bayville Elks Lodge, 247 Route 9, Bayville. Doors open at 6 p.m. It promises to be “a night of good food, great music, and excellent company.”
There is an entrance fee of $30 per person. A small gift auction will be held. For tickets, please purchase via Eventbrite or call 732-644-3445.
