The Interfraternity Council (IFC) and National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) join forces for their annual Greek Week activities April 14-22 in a spirit of philanthropy, friendly competition and fun at Southeast Missouri State University.

Greek Week is a time for social Greek-lettered organizations to give back to the community as they partner with non-profit organizations, volunteer their time and raise money.

Greek Week is a time for the Greek Community to come together and give back, said Southeast student Kimberly Baich, director of Greek Week. This year, we are incorporating new events to help expand awareness of the local communitys needs. The week is packed with service opportunities and a chance to devote our time and resources to give back to those who may not be as fortunate. The difference and impact the Greek community can make is amazing. Every year we hope to build stronger relationships with the local and regional communities.

Shiver ‘n Slide made its first appearance at this year’s Greek Week, helping raise more than $4,000 for the Special Olympics.

Events and service opportunities for the Greek community have been planned in conjunction with the American Red Cross, Special Olympics, Missouri Veterans Home, United Way of Southeast Missouri, Redhawk Food Pantry and the Keep Cape Beautiful initiative.

Greek Week will begin April 14 with fraternity and sorority members volunteering at the Special Olympics in the Student Recreation Center. Following the Special Olympics will be Greek Games on Parker Field on April 15 and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event April 16.

Fourteen Greek organizations are participating in this years events which follow a Greek Blood Drive and the first ever Shiver n Slide, both held in February. This year, the blood drive was the most successful in the history of this event. According to the American Red Cross, 1,194 units of blood were collected, exceeding a goal set at 1,130 units which is equivalent to a possible 3,582 lives saved. More than 248 additional units were collected than in any drive in the past. Greek students also contributed a total of 910 volunteer hours.

Shiver ‘n Slide made its first appearance this year, which featured a giant freezing slip and slide. The event helped raise more than $4,000 for the Special Olympics.

The Greek Games are an annual tradition during Greek Week.

Greek Week is a great opportunity for the Greek community to continue making a positive impact on campus and local communities, Baich said. Its a fun and important reminder that the Greek community is based on philanthropy and giving back.

Greek Week events will be as follows:

April 14

Special Olympics
Student Recreation Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

April 15

Greek Games
Former Band Practice Field, noon-3 p.m.

April 16

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
Academic Hall, 5 p.m.

April 17

Community Service at Mississippi River Walk, downtown Cape Girardeau, 5-7 p.m.

April 18

Penny Wars
Kent Library, noon

Canned Food Drive
Redhawk Food Pantry, Kent Library Room 123, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lip Sync Battle
Academic Hall Auditorium, 6 p.m.

April 19

Clothing Drive
Safe House for Women Thrift Store, 230 N. Spring St. Cape Girardeau, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

April 21

Greek Sing
Academic Hall Auditorium, 5 p.m.

April 22

All Greek Chapter Awards
Academic Hall Auditorium, 1 p.m.