Food insecurity is one of the top 5 global issues in the world today. It is a critical concern not only on the global stage but right here at home. Beginning in 2021, the sisters of CT Gamma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa have supported food banks in Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties through our “Fill the Trunk Initiative”.
Each year at our planning meeting, we select 9 area food banks.... one for each of our monthly meetings. (December donations provide holiday baskets/meals through a local charity.) Prior to the monthly meeting, the Gamma sisters who have volunteered to be facilitators (these change monthly), contact the foodbank receiving the “fill the trunk” donations to find out if the facility needs specific food groups or other supplies. This information is shared with chapter members so we can address these special requests. A letter accompanies the donations sharing information about our organization and its altruistic projects. We have received many kind words and heartfelt letters of thanks from the food banks expressing the difference these contributions make in the lives of those who struggle to make ends meet. This initiative is making an impact on the chapter as well. Each member contributes what they can as often as they can. It is not a huge commitment of time or money for members every month, therefore it is sustainable. Everyone has a small part, but together it makes a big impact.
Girls Matter Period
Jan Walker, Arizona Lambda
"Girls Matter Period" is a non-profit organization that empowers girls and women by providing valuable education and washable/reusable feminine hygiene supplies. These 'Personal Packs' enable girls to stay in school and enjoy the dignity they deserve.
A 'Personal Pack' includes 2 waterproof bases, 12 absorbent flannel inserts, 2 panties, a wet bag, a washcloth, soap and education/instructions all packed in a colorful cinch sack. The educational piece provides much needed information about the menstrual cycle and how to track it. Volunteers meet in teams to put these packs together. It involves washing, tracing, cutting, sewing, folding, ironing and packing.
Members of the Girls Matter Designated Outreach teams travel to visit these countries and focus primarily on education and kit distribution for thousands of girls/women mostly in secondary schools. The men on the team may work with the male students at the schools or in other outreaches (such as farming/gardening, construction of water systems or toilets, distribution of eye glasses and shoes).
Because of the help received from this organization, girls are encouraged to finish school and reach for their dreams. Educated young women become competent leaders in their homes and communities. GMP teaches the importance of waiting to have children until girls have partners who are committed 100% to them and their offspring. GMP efforts are not limited to any one country. Although they primarily serve the people of South Africa, their products may be distributed worldwide.
Shoeing the World
Linda Spellman, Virginia Beta Epsilon
Our chapter started this project in September 2024 to raise money for our Beta Epsilon Scholarship. We worked with Funds2orgs, a global organization with micro-enterprise partners (many women-owned!) in 26 countries. Established in 2013 by Wayne Esley, Funds2orgs collects gently used shoes which are sent to micro-entrepreneurs worldwide to sell them in local markets to help themselves out of poverty. This program offers people a hand-up, rather than a hand-out.
Funds2orgs provided everything we needed, including rubber bands and bags to package the shoes, posters, motivational videos, and a coach to answer questions. They even send trucks to pick up the shoes! If we collect 100 bags of shoes (25 pairs per bag), we will earn our goal of $1000 for our scholarship. So far, we have collected 85 bags.
Previous fundraising projects included making and selling various items at our state convention, and selling chicken potpies, with the principal participants being our A∆K sisters. This project has expanded beyond our chapter sisters, with all sisters collecting shoes from families, friends, neighbors, church groups, schools, clubs, and other organizations. We have enjoyed working together and feel tremendous pride knowing that our efforts will benefit those businesses receiving the shoes and those who will purchase the shoes at a reasonable price.
Our chapter will not be able to participate in this particular fundraiser again anytime soon as we have exhausted our local resources for donations. As more people learn about the mission of Funds2orgs, participation will increase.
AZ Psi Scholarships are Making a Difference
Ann Fullerton, Arizona Psi
The Arizona Psi chapter answers the question “How to make the world a better place?” by combining their passion for altruism and education and sponsoring scholarships.
Yearly, Psi plans a fundraiser to fund 4 different scholarship programs that benefit children, high school seniors, college students, and adults.
In 1976, Psi member Margarete Radcliffe and her husband began the Sportsman Fund in partnership with Tucson’s AZ Daily Star to send children in poverty to a summer camp to get away from their harsh lives. It is often the first time they have left home and can just be kids. The immediate impact can be seen on the smiles but the long-term effect carries on for many years. Psi supports this yearly.
In the late 1970s, Psi members began offering a scholarship to a female to pursue an education career. In 1990’s, males were allowed. It continues to this day plus a 2nd year scholarship for continued aid and Alpha Delta Kappa ITE support for international college students. Psi members firmly believe that education can change the world.
In 2016, Psi members supported scholarships for adults needing a second chance at the Caridad Culinary Training Program. They train to be chefs versus being a burden on society. Psi members hear first-hand the difference this support has made when they attend the graduations, hearing the stories from the students.
Psi chapter makes it a priority to plan successful yearly fundraisers for these projects and will continue to do so.
New Jersey Kappa Chapter Environmental Sustainability Initiative
Karen Ellingson-Nonestied New Jersey Kappa
Three years ago, the New Jersey Kappa Chapter launched an environmental sustainability initiative to address climate change and encourage responsible waste management. Our goal was to promote stewardship through education, action, and collaboration with local organizations. Through this initiative, we aimed to:
Educate the public on plastic pollution. Reduce waste through recycling efforts. Foster a culture of sustainability within our chapter and our community.
These goals were achieved through educational programs, monthly discussions, and recycling initiatives. Our chapter has enhanced previous environmental efforts by hosting public forums, reinforcing responsible recycling practices, and integrating climate discussions into meetings. Collaborating with the local library, sustainability groups, and other volunteer organizations in the community helped expand our reach.
The impact of our work can be seen through the following outcomes: The chapter co-hosted two "Getting Past Plastic" forums to educate the public; we increased awareness of various climate change issues among members through monthly discussions; and we began to collect and divert hard-to-recycle items like pens, markers, socks, and electronics from landfills.
These chapter initiatives have empowered individuals with knowledge, contributed to waste reduction, and promoted sustainable practices. Ongoing monthly discussions, recycling efforts, and future collaborative projects like Repair Cafés will ensure continued impact. Through these efforts, New Jersey Kappa Chapter remains dedicated to a more sustainable future.
