FLINT, MI (January 27, 2016) – Members of the Psi Xi Chapter at Grand Valley State University, callaborated with P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organizations for Women Entering Reality), AIM International, NAACP, and NPHC on campus, in an attempt to help families of the water crisis by creating the Flint Water Drive.
The city of Flint is suffering from over leaded water, which stemmed from the people of the city transitioning away from water from Lake Huron to the Flint River. Jake Kendall, Nijah’ McNeal, and other members of the Psi Xi Chapter were directly affected, which prompted them to create the Flint Water Drive on the GVSU campus. “I am actually from Flint, MI,” said Kendall. “I have lived there my whole life, as majority of my family is still residents of Flint. It really hurts to know that all of my friends and family have no clean water to use at home. So this drive to me is personal, I am just blessed to be surrounded by such a loyal and supportive organization.”
Due to McNeal also living close to Flint, she knows the crisis well and why this drive is needed. “The Flint Water Drive means a lot to me,” said McNeal. “Particularly because my hometown is less than an hour away from Flint, I have friends who reside in Flint, and it is also like a second hometown for me. Jake Kendall and I came up with an idea for a Water Drive that we would have 5 days in a week (jan 25-29th) accepting water and monetary donations.”
Through the efforts of Kendall and McNeal, the Psi Xi Chapter reached out to gain support for their endeavor through professors. They began asking professors to give extra credit to students who contributed to the water drive. In addition, members gave short presentations to their peers about the crisis, the drive and why it was so important.
Throughout the process, members of Psi Xi have been there to aid Kendall and the other organizations. The chapter provides guidance, service hours, and much more whenever they are asked. Kendall, also a member of a new organization on the GVSU campus said, “This project was the first service event that we put on (POWER & AIM – new organizations on campus), so there were a whole lot of things that we needed help and guidance with. Alpha Kappa Psi was there for me with whatever and whenever I needed them.”
McNeal and Kendall have both learned much from this experience and their chapter had been an integral part. “Alpha Kappa Psi has taught me that giving back to a community and providing service can have a great impact. My drive to help others who cannot help themselves is indescribable. Alpha Kappa Psi has shaped me into understanding myself, as well as others,” said McNeal.
The organizations involved in the Flint Water Drive plan on personally delivering the donations to Flint Michigan on February 6. The original date of the drive has been extended to February 5, due to the increase of donations and coverage from local media. The organizations have made it obvious they are doing this from their hearts. They want to provide the people of Flint with a basic resource they have been without.
