Claire Smith
Features Editor
csmith110@murraystate.edu
Giving back to the community is one of the many great strengths of Greek Life; Alpha Omicron Pi is no exception, volunteering in the community once a month.
Leah Bell, a nursing major from Paris, Tennessee, is the assistant philanthropy chair for AOII and coordinates much of their volunteerism.
“I call or attend the place I am planning to have the community service event at, we arrange for a day and time that fits both of our schedules, and then I inform the chapter about this opportunity to get some community service hours,” Bell said.
On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the sorority visited the Main Street Youth Center in Murray.
The youth center provides after-school programming and other events for young people between elementary and high school age.
AOII visits at least once a semester but many of the girls go weekly to hang out with the kids they’ve befriended.
“When we visit Main Street Youth Center we play basketball, play on the playground, play board-games, play on the Wii, and we are always willing to help the kids with their homework,” Bell said.
Hanging out at the youth center benefits not only the young people the girls hang out with but the sorority sisters themselves.
“Playing with the kids there brings out the inner kid in all of us, and we all need that fun sometimes to get away from college,” Bell said. “The kids also put a smile on our faces because they look forward to us coming back, and we always do.”
In the past AOII has volunteered at the Murray Ice Cream Festival, Spring Creek Healthcare, Murray Animal Shelter, Hickory Woods and Soup for the Soul.
“We are planning on volunteering in November at the Towing for Toys event on Nov. 9,” Bell said.
Bell enjoys volunteering because she gets to see the impact helping, serving and giving has on people’s lives.
“Volunteering brings you lifelong memories, new friends, and can easily make a positive impact on not just one person but a whole community,” Bell said.
Visiting the youth center is a highlight for the sorority sisters.
“The love AOII has for Main Street Youth Center is undeniable, and the people who run Main Street are selfless and amazing people worth getting to know,” Bell said.