In 2015, Marzetta Scott was stranded in her dorm along with other students as flood waters continued to rise. She was stuck without a car, food or power for days and she was terrified.

But the University Police Department made it their mission to do routine safety checks and when necessary, provide transportation for students. Scott never forgot the flood or the help she received from UPD and she had been waiting for an opportunity to do the same for others. 

“Someone was there for me in my time of need and I consider it a blessing that we as a sorority are able to help contribute to others in their time of need,” Scott said. “I have a really soft spot in my heart for giving back to others.”

The opportunity didn’t provide itself until four years later as Hurricane Dorian took the Bahamas by storm. Delta Sigma Theta Lambda Rho chapter president, Scott, and her sisters decided to gather donations for those affected by the hurricane. One person in particular the sorority hopes to help is a sister in their international line that lives in the Bahamas.

“This is a token of love from Delta and Lambda Rho to our international sister,” said Taylor Jackson, Lambda Rho vice president. 

Rutshainy Holder, Lambda Rho chapter member, is from the Caribbean and understands the long-term effects hurricanes have on communities.

“It is a great feeling to help those in need,” Holder said. “People lost everything in the hurricane so to be able to help them even in the smallest way possible is rewarding to me.”

Since the cause was near to her heart, Holder got in contact with a member of the National Association of the Bahamas who then coordinated with the sorority to have the donations sent to Miami, Florida. From there, the association will make sure the donations are transported by boat to the Bahamas.

Two large plastic bins were filled to the tops with essentials like deodorant, shampoo, soap, washcloths, toothbrushes and menstrual products which were collected last Wednesday.

Although those donations have already been shipped to Miami, Destiny Gilmore, Lambda Rho chapter treasurer, said the sorority may begin taking donations again.

“We wanted to ship the donations off as soon as possible,” Gilmore said.