LYNCHBURG'S GREEK COMMUNITY DONATES SUPPLIES TO MILITARY UNIT
By Harrison Kyte, Lynchburg ‘12
Over one month last semester, the Greek community at Lynchburg College raised $1,500 and collected $300-500 worth of food and toiletries to donate to an isolated artillery unit in Afghanistan. I spearheaded the military supplies drive with another SigEp, Billy Reed, ’13, while we progressed through our chapter’s member development program.
We included all Greek organizations on campus to make a bigger impact on the troops and to improve relations among chapters at Lynchburg. In addition to improved relations among Greek organizations, the project created connections with faculty, administration and the greater Lynchburg community. Campus and local newspapers covered the drive, which was critical to promote Greek life to administration and non-Greek students. The drive shed a positive light on the differences a Greek community can make in the lives of others, distancing us from notorious fraternity stereotypes.
This military supplies drive made a great impact on the community here and abroad by highlighting the needs of our troops and helping people see how they could take action to fulfill those needs. The drive is in the planning stages for next year, with a goal of doubling the donations.
“I am humbled at the hearts of these students, in awe of their ability to accomplish the goal they set in such a short amount of time, and inspired by their selflessness,” said Angela Mackzum, vice president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 16, who helped coordinate the effort. “Due to this collection campaign we will be able to send care packages to the 4-42nd Field Artillery Regiment during their entire deployment thereby contributing to a better morale and sense of support. I am truly grateful!"
The brother mentor challenge afforded me the opportunity to develop myself and show others how much a man can benefit from being in this organization. All SigEps should take their chapter’s member development programs seriously and look for similar opportunities.
