JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two fraternities are preparing for their seventh annual softball charity game against each other to give back to the community on Jacksonville’s Northside.
It’s more than just a game to the Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi fraternities, as they’ll have a healthcare screening station and a hygiene product drive.
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They’re taking donations of deodorant, lotion, toothpaste, and wipes to send them to those in need at Sulzbacher Village. Last year, the fraternities donated at least 2000 items.
Darrell Eakins Jr. and Freddie Coleman III are co-chairmen of this event. They said even though they want their respective fraternities to hoist this trophy as winners, they both said this cause is bigger than whatever happens on the softball diamond.
“We just love giving back to the community. We have done several different things for the community as far as giving out scholarships and feeding the hungry. That has been one of our initiatives this year to drive support for the Sulzbacher Village because they are one of our partners for building our [Community Achievement Center] that will be taking place this year,” Eakins said.
Coleman works in law enforcement and sees the need for the charity event.
“It is a blessing to just be able to afford and do it. We hope that the community comes out and donates as well. Times are hard. There are people who are struggling a lot more than the average person is,” Coleman said.
The game will be Saturday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Ray Greene Park on the Northside at 2149 Leonid Road, not too far from Dunn Avenue.
It’s free to attend, but people are asked to bring hygiene products to donate. There will be music, food trucks and face painting for kids.
