IN HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority has joined forces with Habitat for Humanity International, their national philanthropic service partner, to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina recover and rebuild their lives.

Collegiate and alumnae chapters nationwide will spearhead fund-raising projects to benefit Habitat’s Disaster and Emergency Services unit as part of “Operation Home Delivery,” Habitat’s three-phase response to provide assistance and rebuilding opportunities along the Gulf Coast in the hurricane’s aftermath.

“These projects may be as simple as car washes and candy bar sales, or as complex as dance marathons and sports tournaments,” said Vanessa Florence, the sorority’s national philanthropy coordinator. “We are strongly encouraging every member and chapter to immediately begin collecting funds for this critical effort.”

Individuals not affiliated with a collegiate or alumnae chapter may make a personal donation by sending a check payable to Alpha Sigma Tau/HFH Hurricane Katrina to the sorority’s national headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. Donations should be received by November 4.

In June 2004, Alpha Sigma Tau announced at their annual convention that they would partner with Habitat for Humanity for their national service project. Since then, the sorority has supported the organization’s efforts in many ways, from working with Habitat campus chapters and affiliates across the United States to participating in Collegiate Challenge, which provides volunteer opportunities for students during their school breaks.

Following Katrina’s catastrophic strike on the Gulf Coast, Habitat announced an emergency appeal for funds to help Habitat families and other low-income families recover and rebuild. The Disaster and Emergency Services unit will dispatch teams to check on Habitat families who lived in the storm’s destructive path and provide whatever immediate assistance they can. They will then begin to plan for short- and long-term assistance for these families, as well as Habitat volunteers and affiliates in the affected areas.

Alpha Sigma Tau immediately stepped up to the plate, making plans to support Habitat’s endeavor to “help rebuild the lives of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, piece by piece, house by house.”

“From the beginning, we have known that Habitat for Humanity was a natural partner for our philanthropic efforts,” said Patricia Simmons, the sorority’s national president. “Their mission to build affordable housing for those who lack adequate shelter reflects our beliefs and our motto of being ‘active, self-reliant, and trustworthy.’ Our thoughts and prayers have been with the victims of this devastating catastrophe, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to support Habitat as they respond to one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history.”

For more information on Alpha Sigma Tau’s involvement in “Operation Home Delivery,” contact Vanessa Florence, national philanthropy coordinator, at philanthropyast@yahoo.com.

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority was founded November 4, 1899, at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan. The purpose of Alpha Sigma Tau is to promote the ethical, cultural, and social development of its members. The sorority offers membership programming with an emphasis on academic achievement, community service, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities. For more information, visit the sorority’s Web site at www.alphasigmatau.org.