Food Bank & Brunch!

by Emily Rusting, ​ΓA

Bright and early on the morning of May 21st, 2022, a collection of brothers and sisters began to gather in Bruin Plaza. Was it a new Brotherhood/Sisterhood ritual? No. Was it a spontaneous brunch run? Also no. Was it the annual meeting of the storied UCLA Lettuce Club? Unfortunately not. But it was still something really exciting--the Gamma Alpha class service project! After allowing a wake-up grace period, we piled into cars and traveled across town to World Harvest Food Bank to volunteer.
The food bank staff did not hesitate with delegating tasks to our eager brothers. Some of us worked in the produce section, loading carts with fresh fruits and vegetables for patrons. Others stocked sodas and snacks on the shelves in the lobby. Still others took on special tasks: Will McClean swept the floor spotless as we worked, Ariel Fernandez helped customers pack their cars, and Matt Sanruk found some tasty Obama-themed water. At the end of our two-hour timeslot, we gathered in the lobby for a photo of our brothers and sisters with Geoffrey and the food bank manager, Chela. Then we drove up the road a few blocks to Koreatown, where we enjoyed some sweet and savory egg sandwiches. By that point, the tiredness was starting to set in, so we headed back to campus to take some well-earned Saturday afternoon naps.
As one of our first in-person activities since the beginning of the pandemic, this event not only re-established PsiEK’s presence in the broader LA community, but also allowed brothers and sisters a chance to further the bond they cultivated during Brotherhood/Sisterhood week, which ended just prior to the event. We were all excited to meaningfully serve the community while making new connections, strengthening old ones, and having fun. As a significant portion of our 2022-23 officer board, the Gamma Alpha class looks forward to planning more service, brotherhood, and full band activities in the coming academic year. Stay tuned!