One of the purposes of Sigma Kappa membership is to support worthwhile
philanthropic projects in our communities. Nationally, we support four
philanthropies:
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease was adopted as a national philanthropy in 1984.
Ever
since, Sigma Kappas have raised funds to further the research to find a
cure for Alzheimer's Disease and to give support to the victims and their
families.
In order to raise funds, all Sigma Kappas participate in the annual
lollipop campaign along with local projects. The annual lollipop campaign
consists of selling lollipops to "Help Sigma Kappa Lick Alzheimer's". In
addition, at Omega each year we have a Pool-a-thon to raise funds for
Alzheimer's Disease. Sororities and fraternities compete to win the title
as best pool player. Trophies are given out to the winners, and all funds
are donated to finding a cure and helping those with the disease.
To find out more information on Alzheimer's Disease, go to the web page of
Alzheimer's Association.
Gerontology
Sigma Kappa was the first national sorority to appreciate the need for
continued, comprehensive work in the field of gerontology. This is a
relatively new field of social service as a result of increased life
expectancy. Sigma Kappa has adopted this field as its major endeavor on
both the national and local levels.
Every chapter has the opportunity to plan projects to meet the needs of
its own community. At Omega, the range of weekly or monthly services
varies. We participate in volunteer service in geriatric wards which
includes recreational activities such as playing bingo and Christmas
carolling. We also support the Meals on Wheels programs, provide short
term, no interest loans to purchase new glasses and hearing aids, survey
the needs of the elderly in the community, and sponsor senior citizen
clubs.
Maine Sea Coast Mission
In honor of our five founders in Maine, Sigma Kappa chose, in 1918, the
Maine Sea Coast Mission as our first national philanthropy. The coast of
Maine is rocky and infertile. There are many families of fishermen and
lighthouse keepers living on small, isolated islands. In 1905, the Maine
Sea Coast Missionary Society was organized at Bar Harbor, Maine. The
mission superintendent, doctors, nurses, and workers travel about the
2,500 mile coastline of their parish in a boat. They bring medical aid,
dental aid, food, clothing, Bible school instruction, toys for children,
and reading material to the families.
Each November at Omega, we pack gift boxes of needed items to help the
families celebrate Christmas. Sigma Kappas have given loyally their time
and money, some have spent summers working at the Mission.
Gerontology
Maine Sea Coast Mission
Gerontology -- The scientific study of the effects of aging on humans.