The sisters of the Epsilon Chi chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi are joining with 51������’s ROTC program on Dec. 1 from 2-4 p.m. in McKinnon Hall to show gratitude and support to soldiers stationed overseas.

The two organizations have invited the Panhellenic community to participate in AOII’s annual “Sisters for Soldiers” holiday care package drive for those stationed oversees. There will be drinks, music and entertainment during the event as well as a “Draft a Date” auction of ROTC members to the women of PHC for a date.

All of the proceeds will go to the national nonprofit organization.

Inspired by a young woman’s desire to serve as a sister to soldiers stationed in Iraq, the “Sisters for Soldiers” program allows members to make care packages for overseas troops. The program helps to bring a sense of joy to each soldier who is constantly preoccupied with the emotions associated with war. While including basic necessities, sisters are encouraged to personalize their boxes with handheld games, golf balls, cards, puzzles and more. 

This unique twist to the standard care package is aimed at showing appreciation to the armed forces. Donations can be dropped off at the AOII “Sisters for Soldiers” tables in Moseley on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Anyone that donates or writes a thank you card will receive a Sisters for Soldiers button.

Members in the organization, as well as individuals in the campus and community, are gathering items to send to over 60 soldiers stationed overseas. In addition, they are sending several packages to AOII’s Amy DeNenno’s brother, who is a captain of the 10th Mountain Division that is currently training in New York, and to Elon ROTC member Jack Selbo, who is already serving in Afghanistan. 

For more information about how you can help AOII in their efforts to support the United States Armed Forces, please contact Lauren Ludlow at lludlow@elon.edu.

Alpha Omicron Pi was founded in 1897 at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. AOII has more than 151,000 initiated members in 190 collegiate chapters and over 250 alumnae chapters across the United States and Canada. Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women’s fraternity promoting friendship for a lifetime, inspiring academic excellence and lifelong learning, and developing leadership skills through service to the Fraternity and community.

The sisters will be creating 35 care packages to show their appreciation for the troops on Friday, which will be mailed to the soldiers afterwards. They would like to make this event a great success by being able to provide care packages that full of treats for our nation’s troops. It is the chapter’s hope to get as many donations as possible.

If you are interested in participating, feel free to contact Jill Hollis, President of Alpha Omicron Pi, for more information at jhollis@elon.edu. Items are being collected until this Friday, December 2, at 2 p.m at the AOII Greek house, Loy Center C.

There are a variety of items that are being asked for in terms of donations, including:

Reading material: Magazines, books, cross word puzzles

Food: Small drink mix packets, candy that won’t melt, trail mix

Clothing: T-shirts, pajama pants, gym shorts, college-themed shirts (soldiers enjoy having something “not military” to put on during down time)

Games: Any type of board game (Checkers, Chess, Monopoly, etc), golf balls and tees, frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, used bats and softballs, decks of cards, used movies and games from rental stores, anything remote-controlled (planes, helicopters, cars, etc.), water balloons, sling shots

Miscellaneous Items: Calendars (2011 or 2012 calendars of sports, cars, etc.), air fresheners for rooms and trucks

Please keep in mind that these do not have to be fancy or expensive items – just a little something to brighten the holidays for our troops. Any donation is appreciated!