Paper, pens, rulers, calculators and so many other school supplies can really add up in cost. For families with limited income, this can pose a real problem. To combat these costs, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council raised school supplies for Macomb children in need throughout March and April.
The two Greek councils raised more than $950 worth of school supplies, which will go to children at Lincoln Elementary School and Edison Elementary School.
Joseph Moore, IFC Community Service chair and member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and Mary Wilson, PHC Community Service chair and member of Phi Sigma Sigma sorority, organized the school supply drive.
"It's a way for students at Western to give back to Macomb," Moore said. The drive was organized as competition between fraternities and sororities with a point value assigned to each item donated. However, the only prize for winning this competition was the pride of knowing their organization had done everything they could for the local community.
This is the second year that Moore has organized the drive, and he plans to expand the effort to include the entire Western Illinois campus, instead of limiting it to Greeks alone.
Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity raised more supplies than any other fraternity by donating more than $250 worth of supplies.
"We're always here to help out Macomb and anyone in need," said Andy Bulfer, IFC president and member of Alpha Gamma Rho. "We just wanted to help out schools."
Alpha Gamma Rho participates in a number of other philanthropic events, including their annual Hog Roast, which raises money for a Macomb family in need. Bulfer also added, "IFC is always looking for community service opportunities and owes thanks to its fraternities for supporting these efforts."
Phi Sigma Sigma sorority is credited with raising more supplies than any other sorority in PHC by donating more than $100 worth of supplies. Phi Sigma Sigma is known for its annual Kicks for Kidneys event, which raises money for the National Kidney Foundation.
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