Community service opportunities abound at West Chester University. Almost all student organizations take part in some community service activities throughout each semester, yet there are several organizations that focus all of their energy into tasks that help others. Circle K International, an organization that is based around service and aiding children, is one such student-run organization on campus. Consisting of approximately 30 members, the WCU chapter of Circle K is involved with up to four community service projects a week.
Based on three central tenants; service, fellowship and leadership, Circle K is very proactive in getting students involved in service activities. The club has set high standards for activity this November.
“Our club has set a new goal for the month of November, encouraging every member to participate in two Circle K service projects,” President Briana Rudy said. “We are very excited and think that we can easily accomplish this goal.”
Circle K is involved with Brian’s Run, an annual five kilometer run in West Chester that benefits children with difficulties in physical mobility. The organization also hosts its own service projects.
“Last semester, we organized a book drive to fight illiteracy and collected over 4,000 books which were then donated to local homeless shelters, schools, libraries, hospitals and donated book stores,” Rudy said.
The Abbé Society is another organization that participates in community service projects, often working alongside the Friars’ Society. The two groups, a total of 38 students, are frequently a part of campus-wide community service activities. The groups were involved with Philly Cares Day, for instance, an annual event that transports students to inner-Philadelphia to help renovate schools.
One of the biggest events that the two societies organize is the annual adoption of a family for which to provide Christmas gifts.
“Every fall semester the Friars’ and Abbés’ society adopt a family for Christmas,” Jim Carminito, president of the Friars’ society said. “The Chester County Crime Victims center provides us with a family in West Chester that is less fortunate. All of our fundraising from the fall semester goes to buy the kids from the family presents.”
“We have teamed up with the Friars’ Society to do a 24-hour BBQ outside of Hollinger Field to raise money for our holiday family that we adopt every year,” Abbé Society Vice-President Caitlyn Carroll said.
A fourth organization that is heavily involved with community service at WCU is Alpha Phi Omega. While the organization uses Greek letters, it is not affiliated with Greek Life at WCU. Each member of the organization is required to participate in at least 20 hours of community service throughout each semester.
Alpha Phi Omega joined the Friars and Abbés at Philly Cares Day as well.
“It’s awesome to know that our service will pay off for years to come at this school, and we hope the kids will benefit from our contributions to their school environment,” President Angela DiFlippo said.
The Abbé’ and Friar’s societies and Alpha Phi Omega require nomination to join. Circle K International holds meetings every Tuesday night in 253 Sykes Student Union.
Shane Madden is a fourth-year student majoring in history with a minor in journalism. He can be reached at SM590676@wcupa.edu.