Greek Community Partners for Winter Service Initiatives

Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the values of service and unity, the Syracuse University Greek Life community completed a series of collaborative initiatives designed to support local families and students during the fall and holiday seasons.

“Greeksgiving” Holiday Meals

On Nov. 19, all University Greek councils joined together for “Greeksgiving,” a collective effort to address food insecurity in the local community. The councils provided turkey donations to three major local organizations: the Samaritan Center, Rescue Mission and Salvation Army. This joint contribution ensures that more individuals in the Syracuse area can enjoy a celebratory meal with loved ones, reflecting the Greek community’s shared dedication to generosity and kindness.

“Between service and philanthropy, giving back is really at the core of who we are as councils. We know the holidays can be a stressful time for families in Syracuse, especially those dealing with food insecurity, so we wanted to help provide something that could make their season a little lighter and brighter,” says Alexis Rouson ’26, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

The idea for a “Greeksgiving” initiative started around 20 years ago with the Delta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., with turkey donations to several community centers in Syracuse. Over time, it grew into a tradition where all Greek Life organizations could unite around service, especially during a time of year centered on gratitude.

“Projects like this bring out the best of Greek Life. Every council talks about values like service and community, but collaborating on this drive allows us to actually live those values together,” Rouson says.

Greek and Give Initiative

Throughout October, the Panhellenic Council, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) and Kappa Delta Pi (National Professional Association and Honor Society for Educators) partnered for a monthlong drive to support Van Duyn Elementary School in the Syracuse City School District. Members across the three organizations collaborated to collect essential items, including school supplies, school bags, T-shirts, Bombas socks and healthy snacks.

On Nov. 13, representatives delivered these donations to more than 350 students in grades pre-K through 5th grade. The project successfully met basic student needs while strengthening inter-council relationships and highlighting the positive impact of collective service on local youth education.

Holiday Toy Drive

The University Greek community also concluded its annual Holiday Toy Drive at the end of the fall semester. This long-standing initiative is a collaborative effort between the University’s Greek Council and local partners, including the law firm Hancock Estabrook, LLP. This year’s drive focused on providing gifts for every student in the Pre-K and kindergarten classes at Delaware Elementary School.

The toy drive was a true team effort, bringing together all 60 of the University’s fraternity and sorority chapters to provide gifts to over 140 students in need. After Greek Ambassadors hand-wrapped and labeled every gift, 12 members of the executive board loaded up five vehicles to deliver the toys to the school.

“These projects reflect the true spirit of service, compassion and collaboration that defines our Greek community,” said Carrie Abbott, director of student involvement and leadership development at Syracuse University.

Despite a districtwide snow day, the gifts were still delivered as planned. The Greek Council quickly coordinated with school staff to drop off the donations and organize them by homeroom in the school’s cafeteria and main office. Despite the change in plans, the team ensured the gifts were ready and waiting as a surprise for the students when they returned the following week.

Pre-K and kindergarten students at Delaware Elementary School gathered for a picture with Santa Claus the day they received their gifts from the toy drive.

Story by Student Experience Communications Intern Kate Jackson ’26