During the holiday season, the U of A Greek Life community made a huge impact in providing generous donations totaling over $15,000 to local Northwest Arkansas residents and community agencies.
In November, the United Greek Council participated in a day of service event and purchased items to make care packages for a local shelter serving veterans. The National Pan-Hellenic Council and several chapters also served more than 1,500 meals at Thanksgiving by partnering with the Augustine Foundation in Fayetteville.
In addition, the Interfraternity Council partnered with Life Source International and sponsored 14 families for Thanksgiving. “This service initiative has been a long standing tradition for IFC for 15 years and is one of the most anticipated events of the year,” shared William Monroe, IFC president. Each chapter shopped alongside the families and purchased their entire Thanksgiving meal as well as other groceries for the week.
Research shows that this time of the year is challenging for many families. This act of kindness helps to put a smile on their faces, especially the children.
“For us, it was important that all children around the world experience a wonderful Christmas. Therefore, we decided to host a toy drive with donations going to the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Many of the families within the hospital are faced with bills and financial obligations that may put a strain on Christmas celebrations. We wanted to reach out and ensure that Christmas joy prevailed,” expressed by Lashae Hall, outgoing National Pan-Hellenic Council president and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. vice president.
Several fraternities collaborated with Zeta Phi Beta, including Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Sigma and Kappa Alpha Psi. Collectively, they were able to donate a substantial number of toys to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
In December, the Panhellenic Council had the opportunity to give back to families in the Northwest Arkansas area. All 11 chapters supported individual families by purchasing holiday gifts, winter coats, food and more.
“This project is one of the most important community service events that we participate in all year because we are able to directly give back to those who are in need. Our women were able to take what could have been a huge burden off of families’ shoulders and bring so much joy to a number of young children,” said Sidney Kincaid, Panhellenic Council president.
The Panhellenic Council randomly surprised 11 families at a local Wal-Mart Supercenter and took them on a shopping spree. The council also purchased tons of toys and coats for a foster family and donated to local toy drive sponsored by various Northwest Arkansas community agencies.
“As always, the Panhellenic Council is eager to give back to the community that has shaped us in our college years. This service project had a huge impact on our women and exposed many of them to the true need that is within our community.”
Annually, the U of A Greek Life community donates $750,000 to various charities, including service hours that impact the local community and beyond. The Charlie and Cappy Whiteside Greek Life Leadership Center serves 33 national fraternities and sororities with more than 8,700 Greek members.
A version of this story appeared in Arkansas News.
