A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER | CONTRIBUTING TO THE WORLD’S WORK
During a year like no other, members of Alpha Gamma Delta came together to make an impact in their communities. Here’s how our chapters managed to put philanthropy at the forefront throughout the 2020-21 school year:
DELTA–UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Delta Chapter held its first 5K event, Alpha Gam Runs Against Hunger. To accommodate social distancing, participants could take part in person or virtually. Members enjoyed directing participants throughout the route and facilitating games after the 5K. The chapter raised $4,374 toward fighting hunger in their first year of the event!
PI–COE COLLEGE
Even during a pandemic, members found ways to fulfill their philanthropic duties. The chapter attended a fighting hunger event organized by the Boy Scouts of America and made face masks for frontline workers throughout the semester.
UPSILON–UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
During Hunger Action Month, the chapter participated in a food drive and made cards for their local Meals on Wheels. The chapter also donated pantry items to a local rehabilitation center throughout the fall term.
SIGMA–UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Throughout the year, the members of the Sigma Chapter dedicated their time to various charities in the local area, including hosting toy drives for Toys for Tots and a local food bank. During Week of Service, members made blankets for CU at Home, volunteered at Feeding Our Kids and Wesley Food Pantry, and made thank you cards for healthcare workers.
OMEGA–UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Members got creative with fundraising and raised more than $2,000 with an online donation event. The chapter raised nearly $1,000 more through their annual Lip Jam. Members also hosted a socially distanced food drive and collected enough cans to make 600 meals at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank!
ALPHA EPSILON–WESTMINSTER COLLEGE
During Hunger Action Month, members of Alpha Epsilon prepared treat bags and wrote letters to New Castle Meals on Wheels families. The chapter also invited the Westminster community to fill out a plate on Hunger Action Day to recognize the negative impact of food insecurity and identify ways they can make an impact.
ALPHA IOTA–BALDWIN WALLACE COLLEGE
The Alpha Iota Chapter remained active in fighting hunger as members collected boxes of food for their local food bank throughout the year. At the end of the academic term, the chapter held their annual Mr. Baldwin Wallace Talent Show to raise money toward fighting hunger.
ALPHA PI–WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
In June, members of the Alpha Pi Chapter raised $1,700 for the Detroit Justice Center. Additionally, members raised more than $3,000 for the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation with various virtual fundraisers throughout the semester, including its signature event Alpha Gam Fan where they chose a sweetheart through talent, quiz and a Q&A.
BETA BETA–NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
After welcoming new members at Bid Day, the Beta Beta Chapter jumped into volunteering with the Great Plains Food Bank and Hope Blossoms. The chapter also held a social media fundraising event where they raised more than $2,000 for the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation.
BETA PHI–VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY
Members of Beta Phi donated pantry items to the APO Food Drive and was recognized as the top-donating organization for the event. Members also made and donated 18 fleece tie blankets for the local VNA Hospice Center.
GAMMA DELTA–AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Gamma Delta kicked off their return to campus by participating in various philanthropic events to fight food insecurity in Lee County. Members got creative with social distancing by hosting a drive-thru philanthropy event which raised more than $11,000. The event included wings, live music and a mobile photo booth.
GAMMA XI–MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY
Members participated in Hunger Action Day by wearing orange to raise awareness of the impact of food insecurity. The chapter also established an online fundraising account to raise money for the Murray Calloway County Need Line and the Feeding America Backpack Program.
DELTA EPSILON–UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
Delta Epsilon Chapter found ways to combine philanthropy and sisterhood with a dine-to-donate style fundraising event. After the members ordered their food, the chapter organized a picnic area where members could meet and spend time with new members while they ate.
DELTA PI–SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY
Delta Pi Chapter took to social media to raise funds. Members shared a virtual bingo card to their Instagram stories with each square representing a donation amount. Once members received the donation, they could mark it on their bingo card to complete it. Within only a few days, the chapter raised nearly $1,000 for the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation!
EPSILON KAPPA–PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
Despite being unable to host their annual Mac and Cheese Feed due to COVID-19, Epsilon Kappa sill raised $1,584.72 throughout the year! Members also enjoyed volunteering at the Lord’s Diner, an organization with a mission to “serve a nutritious meal with dignity and respect to anyone who is hungry.”
EPSILON UPSILON–TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY
Members participated in Hunger Action Month by tabling to raise awareness and collect donations for the Erath County Humane Society and the Tarleton Food Pantry. The chapter also partnered with Kappa Delta Rho to pick up trash along a nearby highway.
EPSILON PSI–UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
Even with the restrictions of a virtual environment, Epsilon Psi still found success in both recruitment and philanthropic events. The chapter exceeded its fundraising goals for Minnie’s Food Pantry and the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation. Members were also able to volunteer with their local Meals on Wheels, which was a new and rewarding experience.
EPSILON OMEGA–TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Members of Epsilon Omega enjoyed a busy and fulfilling fall term by participating in street cleanup efforts and packing meals to be delivered to those in need around their community. The chapter also introduced a new 70s themed fundraising event, Groovy Giveback, and raised $1,400 for Feeding America.
ZETA THETA–LAFAYETTE COLLEGE
Despite physical distance due to the pandemic, Zeta Theta sisters continued to fight hunger in the communities in which they were placed. From delivering meals to Meals on Wheels recipients to facilitating fundraising events on campus to fight hunger and to support social justice movements, members made philanthropy a priority.
ZETA SIGMA–NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
Members of Zeta Sigma spent time developing COVID-safe philanthropy events and partnering with fraternities on campus for the events, including making cards for Meals on Wheels Recipients. The chapter also participated in Northwood University’s Day of Volunteering while continuing to fight hunger.
ZETA UPSILON–NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Zeta Upsilon collegians partnered with local alumnae during a sisterhood event to write letters for Meals on Wheels recipients. Members also jumped into the scrunchie trend and held a scrunchie sale on campus, raising $107.
THETA OMEGA–UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Members of Zeta Sigma partnered with fraternities to hold safe philanthropy events on campus, including making cards for Meals on Wheels recipients. The chapter also participated in Northwood University’s Day of Volunteering by continuing to fight hunger.
This blog post is part of a series based on 2020 Collegiate Reports submitted by chapter officers. Looking to keep up with your chapter? Click here to find your chapter on social media.
Read more from the “A Year Like No Other” series: