2024 Making a Better World Initiative Recipients
ROCKWOOD GIVES BACK: THE GIVING PLACE
Shelley Smith, Missouri Beta Xi
Since 2020 the sisters of Beta Xi have made a significant impact as volunteers for the Rockwood Give Back (RGB) program in St. Louis County, Missouri. The program was developed to increase awareness of, and provide support for, students and families in need in the Rockwood School District. Staff inform RGB about tangible needs identified among the 19,450 students. Requests are shared with the district community who donate items such as: money, clothing, furniture, toys, home goods, cleaning products, and personal care items. The RGB Giving Place is the donation center established to disseminate these items to families. The sisters of Beta Xi Chapter are the only organization who provide continuous voluntary service at the Giving Place. Tasks include taking inventory, sorting, organizing, and displaying donations, and laundering incoming clothing. Beta Xi sister, Linda Vail, coordinates the chapter volunteers. The RGB coordinators refer to Beta Xi’s collaborative and socially responsible work as “heart work.”
WATER FILTERS FOR HONDURAS AND BEYOND
Teresa Anderson, Texas Alpha Rho
The need for affordable filtered water for the people of Honduras was brought to Alpha Rho Chapter. Children were approximately two years behind in their size and weight. A simple water filter system that could be purchased for approximately $30 was identified. This price includes a five-gallon bucket. A huge benefit of this system is that it will last a family approximately 30 years. The Alpha Rho Chapter has provided funds for several of the filters. In June of 2017, water filters were distributed to impoverished families in Honduras. Time was spent explaining why they were needed and how to put the simple filter system together as well as cleaning it. Since then, filters have been distributed to over 20 villages in Honduras, to over 400 families on the coast who were affected by 2022 hurricanes, and to many of the warravaged areas of Ukraine. This past year another 175 water filters were distributed in Honduras and 300 were sent to Ukraine. If water filters continue to be available for distribution, this project will continue to help the people.
McKINNEY VENTO HOMELESS DONATIONS
Marla Hayden, Kansas Rho
Kansas Wichita Public Schools (WPS) McKinneyVento Office (MKV) acts as a resource for homeless families so they can overcome obstacles and barriers faced when homeless, thus helping children/youth be successful in school. Rho Chapter’s annual calendar reminders show our giving times are August (beginning of school) and December (items become gifts). The Rho Chapter donations do not directly eliminate the 1,629 homeless students identified in WPS; however, we can help to reduce some of the trickle-down effects (emotional, behavioral, health problems and developmental delays) by providing them with the basic needs to lessen the stress they carry daily. It has taken our small chapter years of dedication to this project to be an effective resource in adding the homeless children in our community. Rho Chapter will not stop with their support for the unfortunate situations faced daily by many students attending the local public school district.
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE “KIDS ZONE” LEARNING CENTER
Teresa Woodlief, Florida Beta Psi
The Ronald McDonald house in Jacksonville, Florida houses the “KidZone,” a unique space where children can explore, learn, and play guided by volunteers from Florida Beta Psi and other community organizations. In 2017, the RMH opened the KidZone with educational curricula designed to stimulate the children’s minds and distract from their circumstances. Beta Psi sister, Marilyn Daly was chosen to lead its design and ongoing curriculum development. Our chapter’s participation allows us to make an impact on families and the communityfulfilling our goals for ongoing support of the KidZone. RMH Executive Director states, “As a result of spaces like the KidZone, the families are staying longer.” To sustain the KidZone project, AΔK members who attended the 2022 Gulf Regional Conference, made a sizable donation specific to the RMH KidZone.Sisters of Florida Beta Psi are honored to be a part of such an impactful project serving our community.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY
Amanda Ross, Alaska Zeta
Caroly Gray, Alaska Zeta, has served on the committee for International Friendship Day for years.The International Friendship Day is held the third Saturday in October and involves the whole community of Fairbanks. Carolyn has shared each year about this event with the Zeta sisters.Members have had the opportunity toenjoy time spent seeing the different cultures showcasing their food, dance, costumes, stories, and friendship.At International Friendship Day, Carolyn helps her Returned Peace Corps Group to inform American about the rest of the world, which is a goal of the Peace Corps. As a result of International Friendship Day, man go to Indian Diwali Festival of Lights and Chinese New Year.The Fairbanks community is enriched by The International Friendship Day activities. The many cultures/ethnic groups in the community have shared and learned from one another. The special day helps all that participate see other cultures in a new light. We are the World, Young and Old.
2024 Making a Better World Initiative Honorable Mentions
Virginia