Sigma Alpha Omega, a Christian sorority at Appalachian State University, is seeking to aid the community while sharing their love of Christ.
The sorority’s national service week will begin Feb. 9 and end Feb. 13. Each day has an individual service-based event, as well as a week-long clothing drive collection.
Clothing collection will occur in Plemmons Student Union during the week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Wednesday, when it will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. There will additionally be a collection box in the Child Development Center.
Allison Whitaker, SAO’s fundraising chair and junior elementary education major, said the sisters will be volunteering at the food pantry of Boone’s First Baptist Church, F.A.R.M. Cafe and the Watauga County Humane Society, respectively, Monday through Wednesday.
On Thursday, their goal is to buy a stranger a cup of coffee. The week will end with a craft night for making Valentine’s Day cards for the residents of Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation on Friday, and Saturday will be spent delivering the cards and clothes from the clothing drive to Goodwill.
Emily Carter, public relations chair and senior psychology major said the sorority is not so different from other panhellenic organizations on campus.
“We’re a social sorority founded in Christian ideals,” Carter said. “All of our events are sober, but we still have formals and mixers and social events. We also have bible study every week, we have a devotion during chapter, but we have a big and little, we have everything.”
Alexa Roseman, service chair and junior social work major said SAO has been doing a national service week since 2007.
“As a Christian sorority in general, we want to love others well by serving Christ and not rub it in people’s faces and not push religion on them, but show them the love of Christ and be able to serve people regardless of their differences,” Roseman said.
Roseman said she is most excited for the clothing drive and the impact it could have.
“I’ve worked in a homeless shelter before and I’ve seen the look on people’s faces when they get a new outfit or a voucher,” Roseman said. “It’s a small thing, but has just such big effects.”
Roseman said by donating the clothes to Goodwill, residents of the Hospitality House will receive vouchers to select new clothing.
Whitaker said she is most looking forward to the food pantry organization on Monday.
“It doesn’t feel like it’s much, just organizing and sorting cans, but in the long run it’s providing meals for someone who otherwise might not get one,” Whitaker said. “It goes farther and it’s just really cool, I’ve seen how it affects peoples’ lives.”
Carter said the sorority will be asking campus for help, especially with the clothing drive.
“This is important to us, especially with everything that’s happened on campus and throughout the community lately,” Carter said. “We want to spread God’s joy – it’s a precious gift.”
Story: Nicole Caporaso, Senior News Reporter