By: Meghan Daniel, contributing writer
Many Greek organizations on Wofford’s campus are hosting various philanthropic events throughout the holiday season. Raising money for causes including Court Appointed Special Advocates, Bridges of Hope and St. Jude, organizations are putting together activities on campus to raise money for charities.
On Nov. 14, Kappa Delta and Kappa Sigma hosted a Hot Chocolate Bar benefitting Bridges of Hope. All students were invited to stop by the seal of Old Main for hot chocolate and were encouraged to donate to the cause. Bridges of Hope is an organization that helps with hurricane relief.
In addition to this event, Kappa Sigma also held their annual 5K for Karl the previous weekend. The 5K raised money for the Karl Alexander Memorial Scholarship in memory of its namesake, a brother of Wofford’s Kappa Sigma chapter who passed away after his first year at Wofford. Drew Copeland, Kappa Sigma’s philanthropy chair, said “This year we raised about $4,000. It was great to see student and alumni support.”
On Thursday of the same week, Wofford’s chapter of Delta Delta Delta hosted their annual DHOP fundraiser. Tri Delta’s philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Each year, the sisters of Tri Delta produce for an all-you-can-eat pancake event that helps raise money and awareness for St. Jude.
Kappa Alpha Theta hosted an event entitled “Thanks a Latte” on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Along with serving cookies and coffee, the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta encouraged attendees to write letters of thanks to volunteers for the sorority’s philanthropy, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). This program that supports court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused or neglected children, providing them with a permanent home and access to a mentor.
Along with supporting their national philanthropy, Sigma Nu has been active in meeting the needs of the local community. Matthew Reeves, Sigma Nu’s philanthropy chair, explained that he and his brothers have a special affiliation with Meeting Street Academy (MSA), “a non-profit charter school that helps provide a higher education for children from low-income families.”
In November, the brothers helped with the set-up and break-down of a Thanksgiving Feast that the school hosted for the children of MSA and their families. In December, the brothers will return to MSA to help with the school’s production of “The Grinch.” Additionally, Reeves expressed excitement concerning a new event that Sigma Nu will host on Wofford’s campus during Interim. About this event, Reeves says, “I cannot release any of the details yet…but it’s going to be amazing. All proceeds will be donated to our national charity, The Wounded Warrior Project.”
Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity, promoted Warm Hearts throughout the first half of November. Warm Hearts is a campus-wide collection for items such as socks, jackets, hats, blankets and mittens. Lauren Wanat, a member of APO, says that “donations will be going to either a shelter, women’s center or elderly home.”
Sigma Tau Delta, Wofford’s English Honor fraternity, concluded their book drive for local elementary schools in the middle of November. Collection boxes were placed across campus.
Expect philanthropy events in the spring hosted by Pi Kappa Alpha, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Kappa Alpha. Some Greek organizations like Sigma Alpha Epsilon began the season of giving early; SAE hosted their philanthropy event in October and raised $2,500 for Breast Cancer Awareness.
