CofC Fraternities and Sororities Assist with Flood Relief Efforts

Fraternities and Sororities collected donations and raised money to help fund aid organizations such as the American Red Cross. Photo: American Red Cross.

In response to October’s historic and deadly weather event that caused economic losses of more than $1 billion in South Carolina alone, the College of Charleston’s fraternities and sororities have been taking part in relief efforts over the past few weeks.

Two fraternities – Kappa Sigma and Pi Kappa Phi – organized donation drives to directly assist flood victims and also raised money to help fund aid organizations such as the American Red Cross.

In addition, the entire fraternity and sorority community hosted a blood drive on Oct. 15, 2015, that resulted in the donation of 61 pints of blood – enough to impact 183 lives.

“I am continually impressed with how our students rise to the occasion when they see need in the community,” says Sarah Jane Loge, director of Fraternity & Sorority Life in the Division of Student Affairs. “They truly understand the importance of being a part of the Charleston and South Carolina community, which makes me so proud to be able to work with the students and organizations at the College.”

Pi Kappa Phi teamed with the Department of Health and Human Performance to establish the S.C. Flood Relief Project, which brought in over 1,000 items of clothing, 270 canned goods and other items such as baby wipes, toiletries and toys. The effort also raised nearly $2,400 in monetary donations.

The Kappa Sigma Palmetto Relief Project set up a GoFundMe campaign for flood relief efforts that has so far raised more than $16,000.

The impact of the flooding hits close to home for the College’s Kappa Chi chapter of Kappa Sigma.

“A lot of our guys are from affected areas and have family and friends who need help,” said chapter president Evan Carter. “It’s important that we make a difference where it matters most right now.”