The Zeta Rho chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha service organization will sponsor a Newk’s Night from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 20 at Newk’s Eatery, 301 S. Vienna in Ruston. Newk’s will donate 10% of that evening’s pre-tax food purchases to the group. Members plan to use the funds for a Hope for Heroes project for veterans.
Hope for Heroes is one of Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s recognized international projects, along with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Easterseals and others. Each November, many chapters have special activities related to veterans, and additional projects are carried out during the year.
The types of services provided by ESA vary by chapter and by the specific services that military support groups request. Zeta Rho-ESA has sent care packages to deployed troops overseas; has visited with and provided cookies, socks and T-shirts for residents of the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home; and more.
The Louisiana state ESA president’s special 2021-2022 project is aid to homeless veterans. Zeta Rho-ESA’s current projects dovetail with that and also include book donations.
“All of ESA’s efforts are intended not only to assist in meeting the needs of the individual recipients, but also to lift their spirits and sense the gratitude that our members feel for their service,” Zeta Rho-ESA president Sallie Rose Hollis said. “We’re inviting area residents to help us express that appreciation.”
ESA’s support for military personnel and their families began during World War II. After the war, ESA chapters were often organized near military bases and among military families whose membership assisted them in keeping connected as they moved to new assignments around the world. Much of ESA’s early international growth was a result of military members forming new chapters as they moved to new bases.
