Photo: Sarah Tucker
April 4-8 is Alpha Phi Omega’s national philanthropy week. The purpose of this week of service is to spread service to campus and spread awareness of APO and its principles: leadership, friendship and service.
Monday’s event is in collaboration with non-profit organization Everybody Wins! Iowa.
Everybody Wins! Iowa is a federally funded organization that works with children from disadvantaged household to increase literacy rates.
“Students are paired with a child and work with them on a weekly commitment schedule,” Drake sophomore Lauren Phillips said. Phillips is Alpha Phi Omega’s special service committee head.
Drake volunteers can meet with disadvantaged children either during the breakfast hour, where they can get breakfast foods while they read, or over the lunch hour.
“This is a great way for children in disadvantaged households to be exposed to varying literature,” Phillips said.
Tuesday’s game of Wiffle ball serves one sole purpose: to bring all students together to have fun and play ball. Members of APO will be in Helmick Commons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with all the necessary equipment. All students are welcome.
Wednesday, students will be writing letters to politicians in support of Pell Grant funding for students. Anyone interested is able to stop by the booth, write a letter and talk about the future of Pell Grants.
Friday’s blood drive is in an effort to give to hospitalized patients what they need most.
“One pint of blood could save up to three different hospital patients,” said Lauren Phillippi, Alpha Phi Omega’s vice president of service.
If students are interested in joining Alpha Phi Omega, there will be another recruitment week at the beginning of the upcoming fall semester, Phillips said. If there are questions about Alpha Phi Omega or the recruitment process, email Cara Pratt.
“APO enables me to meet and befriend people on campus that I wouldn’t have known otherwise, and people in the Des Moines community through service,” said Mariam Vahdat, a first-year student and new member of Alpha Phi Omega.
Schedule
Everybody Wins! Iowa
Monday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Helmick CommonsWiffle Ball Game
Tuesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Helmick CommonsLetters to Politicians
Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Helmick CommonsFree Hugs Day
Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Helmick CommonsBlood Drive
Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Morehouse Ballroom
Clarification: APO does not have a national philanthropy week; APO Week is an event planned and executed solely by Drake’s chapter.