February 14, 2007 - Alpha Xi Delta is widely known for its nationwide philanthropic contributions to the “Choose Children” program. This semester, however, the West Virginia Wesleyan Beta Sigma Chapter is extending this theme to aid many organizations that reach in and beyond the Buckhannon area.

The sorority’s activities will include auctions, a jump into Cheat Lake, a charity walk, clothing drives, serving as chaperones, reading aloud to pre-school students, and a new project named “Tooth Bearies.”

The first project of the year, the sorority auction, was held earlier in the month to benefit an Alpha Xi Delta sorority sister at Marshall University, who lost many personal possessions in the recent Emmons Apartment fire in Huntington. On February 24, four members will jump into Cheat Lake to help raise money for Special Olympics while others will participate in the Autism Walk on April 14 in Cumberland, MD.

The clothing drive will benefit the Upshur Parish House and a Read-Aloud project will be held at the Child Development Center. Sorority members will also chaperone a dance at the Stockert Youth Center.

The newest project, “Tooth Bearies,” will involve both current and new members. The hand-made tiny bears, which are being donated to Academy Primary School in Buckhannon, will be used to tuck children’s teeth and attached to their shirt if a tooth is lost at school.

“We are excited about our many upcoming community service projects,” says Jessie Nelson, the philanthropic chair for Alpha Xi Delta and a senior elementary education major from Petersburg, WV. “The majority of our projects assist children and our secondary goal is to serve as excellent role models for kids of all ages.”

Alpha Xi Delta is one of nine national Greek organizations on the Wesleyan campus. Nearly one-third of the College’s students hold membership in a Greek society. All of the members participate in a variety of community service activities throughout the year.

For more information about Wesleyan’s fraternities and sororities, contact John Bohman, director of Greek affairs at 473-8073.

WVWC Press Release