By Lisa DiCarlucci
The back of the student center dining area was alive with the laughter and joy of children Wednesday night as sororities Phi Sigma Sigma and Alpha Epsilon Phi hosted the Boys and Girls Club of Hempstead for a holiday party. The annual event gives local children the opportunity to receive gifts, listen to Christmas carols and even mingle with Santa Claus himself.
The holiday party had a full turnout with approximately fifty children present. Even at first glance, each and every child seemed to have a smile on their face. They were provided a pizza dinner, which they shared with the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma and Alpha Epsilon Phi. The sisters in attendance looked just as happy to be entertaining the children as the children did to be there.
In addition to dinner, the sisters also raised money to provide each child with holiday gifts of toys and games, which were appreciated greatly.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening for the children, besides presents, of course, was a performance of Christmas carols by the University’s a cappella group, Sigma’cappella. Gathered in front of the Sinterklaas village, which was constructed by various Greek organizations and other clubs on campus this past week, the ensemble of singers created a performance that brought the children’s spirits to a new height. The entire group gathered in with the Phi Sigma Sigma and Alpha Epsilon Phi sisters to watch the performance. Several children sang along cheerfully, and all seemed to be having a great time.
It was clear that this holiday party was a great accomplishment for the sorority sisters. Co-chair of the event and Phi Sigma Sigma sister Jacquis Waters was pleased with how the event went.
“I’m actually really excited; I think it’s going so well,” she said. “The kids are just so cute!”
Both Phi Sigma Sigma and Alpha Epsilon Phi put much effort into the event.
“We spent the last month planning it,” Waters said. “This party is actually separate from our philanthropy work.” Waters is also the philanthropy chair of Phi Sigma Sigma.
Clearly these Greeks are going above and beyond the call of duty to make an extra special holiday for the Boys and Girls Club.
It’s important to note that because these children are not considered “less fortunate.” The University’s Greek community is making an effort to not only participate in charity work, but to also reach out to the local community.
The greatest thrill for the children was seeing Santa Claus in the flesh.
“They were all running over to him and hugging him,” Waters said. “It was great.”
Children from the Boys and Girls Club of Hempstead filled the student center on Wednesday night for a holiday party with two University sororities. (Lisa DiCarlucci)