The Los Angeles Drifters will be volunteering their time and talents at the 18th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Crenshaw Blvd., from Obama Blvd. to Stocker St.
Founded in 1982, the L.A. chapter is one of the thirty-eight active chapters of The Drifters, Inc., a national organization with a membership of more than 600 women dedicated to service. The LA Chapter has a 41-year legacy of service and commitment of outreach to youth and seniors in the city’s diverse community.
Describing the organization’s activities, a spokesperson said, “We support our national theme, ‘Strengthen our families to build better communities’ and sub-themes ‘Save our children – Assist our seniors.’
“We mentor girls through our CORAL (character-build, original, resolute, aspiring, leaders) program and award scholarships to high school graduates. We donate Thanksgiving meals to those in need and participate in holiday gift giving to children. We also support seniors through our outreach and benevolent programs. Our chapter is a non-profit organization, and we fund our programs through fundraising efforts and grants.”
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L.A. Chapter members recently cohosted the 67th Drifter National Convention in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida during which Mayor Karen Bass delivered a virtual welcome to the attendees. In support of the mayor’s initiatives to help the unhoused, several thousand dollars in gift cards/certificates were collected. Each card provides a meal or allows the purchase of basic essentials. The Drifters donation will be presented to Mayor Bass’ office for distribution toward this effort.
The spokesperson added, “Chapter members have served as volunteers for Taste of Soul in past years and we are looking forward to doing so again this year.”
L.A. Chapter officers are Cyddia Rodrigo, president; Erma Bernard Gibson, vice president; Georgette DeVeres, secretary; Deborah Pryor, treasurer; Leticia Halsey, financial secretary; Jo Ann Jolly-Blanks, parliamentarian;
Frances Woods, historian; and Jacqueline Sutton, goodwill ambassador.
Members include Patricia Morris and Beverly Pegues Morgan. Chapter Alumnae members are Mavis Harris, Juaria Moore, Edith Shorter-Harris and Brenda Warrick Tyler.
