Fraternity and Sorority Philanthropic Efforts

For years, Millersville University's fraternity and sorority life organizations have raised funds for worthy causes and increased awareness of local non-profits through their philanthropic efforts. Whether it is a bake sale, a canned drive, a blood drive or a car wash, every organization chooses a philanthropic cause to support. They raised nearly $4,500 for various non-profits in the last academic year.

To support these efforts, each organization has a philanthropic chair who oversees the fundraising on their board of directors. From the last academic year (23-24), organizations raised anywhere from $110 to $1,600 for the philanthropic institution of their choice. Here are some highlights from three different organizations on campus:

ACACIA
MU: Can you describe the philanthropic mission of your organization?

Justin Grant: The motto of Acacia, a fraternity organization on campus, is human service. Human service is more than just Acacia's motto; it is something that our brothers impressively put into practice in numerous ways. Our brothers love participating in community service programs, raising money for charitable causes, and participating in international service projects.

MU: What are your chapter's goals for philanthropy in the upcoming year?

Grant: Acacia plans to grow with the other organizations and hopes to introduce more collaborations amongst chapters to build a stronger community within Millersville. We anticipate a greater focus on collaborative efforts with other campus groups and an increased use of digital platforms to raise awareness and funds for important causes. Our future will bring more service-oriented initiatives, especially those addressing pressing social issues.

MU: What impact do you believe Greek life has on the overall philanthropic landscape of Millersville's campus and local community?

Grant: Whether it is organizing on-campus events, hosting blood drives or volunteering for local organizations, Greek life helps to amplify the philanthropic efforts across campus. Together, we provide time and energy that make a noticeable difference in the lives of those we serve.

PHI DELTA THETA
MU: Can you describe the philanthropic mission of your organization?

Ivan Velazquez:Our fraternal core principles include friendship, sound learning and moral rectitude. Phi Delta Theta explores these values through the popular weekly event, JDogs, in collaboration with a local church. The event not only helps create a sense of community, but we are also addressing a local need, offering a free meal and a welcoming environment to not only Millersville students but to the Millersville Borough community as well. It is initiatives like these that align with our mission to make a local positive impact.

MU: What are your chapter's goals for philanthropy in the upcoming year?

Velazquez: Our goal for the future is to gather more student engagement, including partnering with other organizations on campus. Through these events, we foster and create a culture of giving and community involvement, creating multiple opportunities for the public to contribute and have a meaningful impact.

MU: What impact do you believe Greek life has on the overall philanthropic landscape of Millersville's campus and local community?

Velazquez: Last year, Phi Delta Theta, across all chapters, donated roughly 1.22 million dollars to LiveLikeLou, a foundation that supports families affected by ALS. It's powerful to know that we are a part of something huge and great. The funds we raise are used to support ALS treatment, provide wheelchairs, and other essential resources to those affected by the disease.

ALPHA SIGMA TAU
MU: Can you describe the philanthropic mission of your organization?

Megan Meckley: Alpha Sigma Tau's philanthropic mission is to empower women through fundraising and volunteering. They work with organizations such as the Clare House of Lancaster, Girls Who Code, Dress for Success, Habitat for Humanity and Highway Cleanup.

MU: Can you share a personal story about how your involvement in philanthropy through Greek life has affected you?

Meckley: I have volunteered several times at Clare House, where I assist the house manager and connect with the residents. Hearing the women share their stories of overcoming domestic violence has profoundly impacted me. It opened my eyes to the deeper struggles they face, beyond what meets the eye, and reinforced my commitment to supporting those in need.

Across all FSL organizations, the goal for this year's philanthropy is to collect canned food for the Water Street Mission food drive in November.

Here are a few of the philanthropy events Millersville fraternities and sororities hosted:

• Tau Kappa Epsilon hosted a dare board, where people can donate for members to complete dares, to support St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
• Alpha Sigma Alpha held a 5K Run for Makenna on behalf of Rainbows for Makenna, a non-profit for pregnancy and infant loss awareness.
• Acacia hosts two blood drives a semester.

• Delta Zeta has held a drag show to raise money for the American Society for Deaf Children.

• Phi Delta Theta hosts a Pie a Phi.

• Lambda Chi Alpha held a Miles for Meals fundraiser

• Alpha Sigma Tau held a Kick the Sigma-Kickball tournament.

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosts an Operation Big Bookbag to collect school supplies for classrooms in need.

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held voter awareness events to encourage students to register to vote.

• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is hosting a toy drive till December 6thto deliver toys to families at Brightside Baptist Church in Lancaster.

Learn more about Fraternity and Sorority Life at Millersville here.

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