On Dec. 1, 2009, the members Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Delta Phi Epsilon joined efforts in order to wrap gifts for the children of Yale-New Haven Hospital. Many of the children, in need of care, will not be able to experience a healthy life inside the warmth and comfort of a home during the holidays. However, thanks to the sorority and the fraternity, many children will be overcome with joy as they unwrap remote control cars, “Holiday” Barbies, Disney character notebooks, Lego’s, teddy bears, and other great toys. Fifteen SAE’s and ten Deephers, dressed in holiday cheer, will deliver the toys on Wed. at noon.
Jaime Acosta, Philanthropy Chair of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, commented on the toy drive. “My brothers and I are extremely excited to donate these toys to The Children’s wing of Yale-New Hospital. These kids are unfortunate to spend their holidays in the hospital, so it is in our best intentions to bring Santa Claus and the holiday cheer. Receiving a smile from the children will make this all worthwhile.” Many children are bound to smile as Jaime and others arrive at the hospital.
This event marks the first annual SAE/ Delta Phi Epsilon Holiday Toy Drive. Both groups, combined, donated a total of forty-seven toys this year. The members of both groups hope to increase this number each year, as there will always be children in need of care. Kenny Hall, Eminent Deputy Archon of SAE, shared his thoughts. “I think this first year went pretty well. This is the advantage of Greek life: giving back to the community, even though you are just spending quality time with amazing girls.” Hall mentions an important point; community service does not have to be hard or boring. Greek or non-Greek, one should always think of the rights and feelings of others, rather than their own—especially during the holidays.