Greek Week is a time for social Greek-lettered organizations to give back to the community. They partner with various non-profit organizations, volunteer their time and raise money.
The Greek community comes together to raise money, donate hundreds of canned food items for the Salvation Army and helps give back to the community by donating our time to clean up Cape and work closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters, said Greek Week Public Relations and Fundraising Chair Kelly Forhan, a senior public relations major from St. Charles, Mo.Greek Week is very beneficial for the community.
Greek Life offers unparalleled opportunities to be involved on campus through fundraisers, community service, homecoming events, social events, intramural sports, and honorary societies to name a few, said DeAnte Smith, director of Greek Life at Southeast. Typically in order to be this involved a student may have to be associated with several organizations. In addition to the involvement, Greek students develop lifelong connections and support from current members and alumni of the organization that help strengthen their leadership skills, academic achievement, and networking connections that will benefit them during undergrad and post-graduation. Greek Week is very important because our students develop a deeper commitment to the service of the community from their experiences through the week.
Events and service opportunities for the Greek community have been planned in conjunction with the Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and theKeep Cape Beautiful initiative. Additionally, a food drive and a walk to help stop sexual assault are planned. Last year, more than $21,000 was raised during Greek Week, and nearly 900 cans of food were donated.
The more volunteers we have, the more visibility we have in the community, Carol Childers, executive director of Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau, said. Its more evident the 
Childers says she wants the organization to be able to use volunteers more, and she is excited to have so many help out during Greek Week. She says a lot students and businesses in the community show interest in service opportunities, so she wants to help provide those to them.
Fifteen Greek organizations will participate in this years events which follow a Greek blood drive in February in which 872 units of blood were donated to the American Red Cross.
Greek Week events are as follows:
April 7
Keep Cape Beautiful
Capaha Park and train tracks at foot of Broadway near flood gate, 5-6 p.m.
April 9
Special Olympics
Student Recreation Center-North, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 10
Greek Games
Student Recreation Center-North, West Court, 12:30 p.m.
April 11
Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes
Academic Hall, 5:15 p.m.
Spirit Flag Drop Off
Academic Hall, 5:15 p.m.
April 12
Boys and Girls Club Service Event
4:30-5:30 p.m., Franklin Elementary School
April 13
Greek God/Goddess Penny Races and NPHC Yard Show
In front of Kent Library, noon
Mystery Event
Academic Hall, 5 p.m.
April 14
Canned Food Drive
Salvation Army, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 15
Chariot Race
Parker Field, 4 p.m.
April 16
Greek Sing
Academic Hall Auditorium, Doors open at 5 p.m.; Event begins at 6 p.m.
April 17
All Greek Chapter Awards
Academic Hall Auditorium, 5:30 p.m.