Southeastern Greeks give back to community
Contact: Elise Doster Stolzle
2/11/09
HAMMOND – Greek organizations at Southeastern Louisiana University logged more than 5,000 hours of community service and raised $21,000 in the 2008 fall semester.
The combined efforts of 11 organizations and 409 members raised the funds for local and national charities such as Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross and the Children’s Miracle Network.
Melissa Thomas, director of student organizations and Greek life, said Southeastern Greeks have proven to be reliable campus leaders that enjoy helping members of the community and participate in service-learning activities.
"This just goes to show that a little effort on the part of many can make a big impact on the community," said Thomas.
“An abundance of things in the world are put together by people who volunteer in the community,” said Shonan Holmes, chapter president of Zeta Phi Beta sorority. “Giving back can make the world a better place, even if it’s only temporary.”
Holmes said Zeta Phi Beta’s goal this semester is to develop a community service fair to show other students and campus organizations how easy it is to get involved.
“Whether it’s raising money for a family in need or going to elementary schools to be role models, it’s important to us to get involved,” said Delta Tau Delta President Nick Cavaretta. “We volunteer at elementary schools on a weekly basis to spend time with the kids and tutor them in whatever they need. “Because of our work, we get recommended to other service groups all the time.”
Greek Week, held the last week in March, will give Southeastern Greeks the opportunity to actively participate in local charities and donate their time to the Hammond community.
“Greek Week is a time to put an emphasis on community service by volunteering with different agencies and interacting with area groups to build relationships,” said Thomas. “The Greeks participated in 79 events last semester and we are hoping to keep it up.”
Any organization with community service opportunities may contact Melissa Thomas at (985) 549-2120.
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