Meals Matter
MGM National Harbor’s Kerry Watson (left) and County Council member Calvin S. Hawkins putting work in. PHOTO ALICIA ADAMS
Through The Crisis, Hawkins, MGM and Fraternity Group Work Together To Provide Food For 600 Families
By Raoul Dennis // PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICIA ADAMS AND ASHLEY SHARP
Yet again, the county faces a crisis moment that has put hundreds of residents at risk. And yet again, county leaders and residents are coming to the aid of their neighbors, friends, families and constituents.
In a meals giveaway held April 18, meals were given away to some 600 families in Prince George’s County.
The Grab & Go Grocery Bag Giveaway designed to aid families within Prince George’s County Public Schools was led by a cross-section of community, corporate and social leaders. Vice-Chair and Prince George's County Councilmember At Large Calvin S. Hawkins worked with local partners to distribute food to the families of Suitland High School students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Galilee Baptist Church, Capitol Area Food Bank, MGM National Harbor and G.S. Proctor & Associates along with Friendship Charities Foundation, Inc. have come together to create and distribute meals to 600 local families.
Says Vice Chair Hawkins: “This is another great example of our community in action evidenced by the more than 50 volunteers from all over who came out to serve. Food insecurity issues are heightened by this pandemic and every opportunity to provide nutritious meals to local families means one less person that goes hungry.”
“It was well put together and great to see the Omegas, Councilmember Calvin Hawkins and the school system all out to be sure that families who truly in need who need have assistance through this time. It’s truly wonderful to see,” said Kerry Watson, MGM National Harbor’s Vice President of Government Affairs. Participating in the event marks the second time that the corporate giant has stepped up during the Coronavirus pandemic to aid Prince Georgians (click here) since closing its own doors due to the virus in March. “To the extent that we can continue to be a strong partner in our community, even while our building is closed, we are going to do that,” he says.
MGM Resorts International has been supporting communities surrounding all its properties across the nation and around the world.
Mr. Lucien Cox, Board President of Friendship Charities Foundation added “We are humbled by the opportunity to serve students and families of Prince George's County Public Schools during these trying times. Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO of the PGCPS, has been a long-standing partner. We are grateful for her leadership and appreciate the opportunity to work along-side her and an amazing team of educators.”
Friendship Charities Foundation, Inc. (FCF) is a support organization of Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. in Prince George’s County, MD. Gamma Pi Chapter and FCF include more than 200 members who provide community service throughout Prince George’s County, MD. Vice-Chair Hawkins is a member of Epsilon Sigma Chapter and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
MGM National Harbor is the county’s premier entertainment destination and a viable partner from the business community, who has been extremely supportive and helpful with numerous contributions to assist families in need right here at home.
Capitol Area Food Bank leads the metropolitan Washington region’s efforts to provide healthy food for people struggling with hunger and food insecurity. The food bank provides more than 30milliom meals annually.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Friendship Charities Foundation, Galilee Baptist Church and St Paul’s Baptist Church for spearheading this event and extend a special thank you to MGM National Harbor and G.S. Proctor and Associates for their continuous support and contributions to our community,” Hawkins says. “We are stronger than COVID -19. We are Prince George’s Proud and We Will Rise Together."
