Southeast Missouri State Universitys Greek Week 2021 held April 11-18 was an enormous success, raising more than $45,000 in the spirit of philanthropy to support the campus and local community, with this years blood drive finishing as one the largest in Greek Week history.
The blood drive netted 1,011 units that were donated to the American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross has said this was the second largest collegiate blood drive in their Midwest region. said Dr. Bruce Skinner, associate vice president for student life. This means a potential 3,033 hospital patients will receive lifesaving transfusions thanks to our efforts. The Greek Week blood drive is a long-standing tradition on our campus, and we are proud of the outstanding support from the campus and local community that contribute to make it a success year each year.
During the week, Southeast Greeks raised $45,166 to benefit a number of organizations, including:
- United Way of Southeast Missouri
- One City
- Hope for One More
- Honorable Young Mens Club
- SEMO Network Against Sexual Violence
- Voices for Children/CASA
- Community Partnership of Southeast MO
- Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Missouri
In addition, Southeasts Greek community collected more than 16,000 canned goods or food items. This years items were donated to the Redhawk Food Pantry, which serves members of the University community, and to a newly established pantry at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
Because we were donating to the Redhawk Food Pantry and a pantry serving our area, there continues to be strong support from our students, Skinner said. Because of this success, we expect the pantry to be well stocked for an entire year.
Continuing with one of the newer Greek Week tradition the Greek community also hosted a clothing drive to benefit the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau. More than 8,000 mens, womens and childrens clothing items were collected.
The clothing drive is another way for students to support the local community and it continues to become more successful each year, said Joey Kedl, Greek Week Director. Events like the clothing drive, the blood drive, and the money raised reflects our fraternity and sorority members desire to find and commit to more service-oriented events that impact our local community.
Other Greek Week events included the Greek Games and Chariot Races, Walk-A-Mile Sexual Assault Awareness program, Greek Sing, God and Goddess Competition and various spirit and community service activities.
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