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Even with the limitations to volunteering that COVID-19 has created, several Ohio University Lancaster student organizations have found ways to serve the community by spending fall semester engaged in community service projects.
Alpha Phi Omega
Service-focused fraternity Alpha Phi Omega partnered with several local organizations to give back this fall. Members of Alpha Phi Omega held a week-long donation drive and collected over 100 canned items, personal hygiene supplies, and baking items for The Foundation Dinners. The Foundation Dinners, in Lancaster, serves impoverished people with three free meals a day every day of the year.
The national Alpha Phi Omega organization has also designated the first week of November as its National Service Week. “Environment” was chosen as this year’s theme. OHIO Lancaster’s chapter participated in National Service Week by helping to clean up downtown Lancaster, supporting Destination Downtown Lancaster. Members filled trash bags with trash, weeds, and helped beautify the downtown area.
Alpha Phi Omega also teamed up with United Way of Fairfield County.
“We had the opportunity to volunteer for the United Way 23rd Annual 5K,” McKenzie Taylor, a senior studying communication studies and vice president of service for Alpha Phi Omega, said. “Our members helped guide the race, pass out water, and cheer on runners throughout the race. Thank you to United Way of Fairfield County for having us.”
Members also volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Fairfield County to pack over 900 meals for the holidays. Meals on Wheels’ mission is to enable independent living and improve the quality of life for older adults in Fairfield County.
“I had an amazing time, helping give back to my community this holiday season,” Matt Romine, a sophomore studying social work and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, said.
Next on Alpha Phi Omega’s calendar will be partnering with Maywood Mission by adopting a family and spreading holiday cheer.
Follow the student group’s Facebook page to see its latest service projects.
Ohio Education Association - Aspiring Educators
Ohio Education Association (OEA) – Aspiring Educators is the local chapter of the Ohio Education Association. This student group, dedicated to education majors, recently collaborated with a local kindergarten classroom to help collect canned foods for families in need.
Mrs. Welch’s kindergarten class at Bernie Union began its food drive with a goal of collecting 100 items. With the help of OEA-Aspiring Educators, the food drive collected nearly 1,000 items.
“This group of students has a heart of service,” Samantha Lowe, senior studying early childhood education and president of OEA-Aspiring Educators, said. “I’m thrilled we were able to help them surpass their goals and help families in need.”
Lowe said OEA-Aspiring Educators’ next service project will be hosting a toy drive this December. In addition to the toy drive, the student group is also hosting a blanket and sock drive on Dec. 10.
L.E.T. Us Help
L.E.T. Us Help is a student group that assists local law enforcement with fairs and festivals and provides students with an opportunity to network in the criminal justice arena. In October, the law enforcement technology student group held its annual Adopt a Highway cleanup event. The annual event serves the community by keeping roads free of litter.
Louis Hutchinson, a senior studying law enforcement technology and communication studies, was awarded with a LET Us Help Community Service Certificate. Students can earn this certificate for volunteering over 10 hours giving back to the community.
“I donated canned food that will be distributed to local donation centers. I also volunteered at a DUI checkpoint with the Ohio State Highway Patrol,” Hutchinson said. “As the president of the L.E.T. Us Help community service organization, I led the Adopt a Highway trash pickup event and volunteered at the event.”
To learn more about OHIO Lancaster’s student organizations and how to get involved, visit the student organizations page .