Xi Beta Upsilon sorority gives back to communities

Xi Beta Upsilon sorority is a service and social chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an  international organization. XBU is based in Kinston, but we have members living in  Goldsboro, Emerald Isle, Cedar Point, and Wilmington.

Although forced to wear masks  and to “zoom” for much of the 2020-21 year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we  persevered and made donations to the Homeless Shelter, the military, and the SPCA.  We withstood the chill in October to hold a yard sale, raising money for more service  projects. In December, we decorated a Christmas tree for senior citizens at Six  Churches Plaza.  

We celebrated Jan Fly’s progression to the Masters level and being named Valentine  Queen. Sandra Braxton was voted Woman of the Year, and Lois Charlton garnered  Best Program honors with her sand dollar ornaments. 

Our social outings included visits to Mike’s Farm and to the Tryon Palace flower  gardens. We learned about whelks, designed toilet tissue decorations, and created  Book Bunnies. In addition to shopping and watching it hail in Wilmington, we modeled  our new sorority t-shirts while enjoying Bogue Sound breezes at Emerald Isle. 

XBU members include Sandra Thompson, Shelby Smith, Debbie Smith, Jessica  Shimer, Cindy Mills, Donna Grady, Jan Fly, Nan Dale, Lois Charlton, Sandra Braxton,  and Diane Bowen.