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A Special message from our President
Dear Sisters of Theta Phi Alpha,
The lives of millions of Americans, including some of our own members, were changed forever when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. Our Hearts go out to all those affected by this horrifying disaster. Our thoughts and prayers are with our many Sisters located in that region, including the Alpha Beta Chapter at Loyola University and the Beta Epsilon Chapter at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Many have lost everything. Members of the Alpha Beta chapter likely will not be able to take classes at Loyola, at least for the fall semester.
Fortunately, we have received good word from those that have contacted National Office. EVERYONE that we have heard about thus far is safe. Of course, there are hundreds about whom we have no information.
In addition to our members, we are concerned about our friends at Glenmary Missions. While out of the direct path of Hurricane Katrina, we are still awaiting word on any damage sustained at Camp Friendship. We will update you when we receive this information.
The members of The Grand Council and the Directors of the Founders’ Foundation urge you to support hurricane relief efforts in every way possible. Here are some suggestions for immediate action.
1. Donate to Founders’ Foundation: Founders' Foundation will be offering grants to
Sisters that are in need due to the Hurricane. Please click here to make on-line contributions to Sisters in the disaster area. This donation is tax deductible. Please note that you will not be charge tax or shipping and handling even though the receipt will calcuate it in the total.
2. Donate to the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army or any reputable organization that is assisting people in all areas affected by this disaster.
Donations to the American Red Cross can be made here.
Donations to Habitat for Humanity can be made here.
Donations to the Salvation Army can be made here.
3. Raise and collect money in your community for reputable Charitable Relief Organizations, either by organizing or participating in the fundraiser.
4. Donate Blood; assist relief organizations by volunteering; support relief efforts sponsored by your community, employer, church or professional organization.
5. Advise us of any reliable information you have about our sisters in Louisiana, Alabama or Mississippi. Please contact
National Office or make an entry in the Guest Book section of our website if you receive any news.
6. Check the website frequently. We are working on several other ideas, such as a "Safe Sister" list as well as an in-kind donations program. So please continue to check the website. We hope to have these available very soon.
7. Take care of yourself. If you need help to cope with this situation, please take advantage of programs being offered by your university or community or contact your employer’s Employee Assistance Program.
8. Please don’t let your generosity override the current needs of the disaster refugees. At the moment, officials ask that we do not send personal packages until some regular channels reopen to prevent bottlenecking and to insure the packages can be delivered. However, suggestions that have been made thus far for the in-kind donations include gift cards for gas stations, restaurants (national chains), Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, J.C. Penney; Home Depot and Amazon.com (for the collegians who will need to purchase a second set of textbooks).
If you are able to house students who will be transferring to other universities or assist these women in any measurable way, such as helping them find affordable housing in their new city; providing Welcome Wagon services etc, please
click here.
If you are a displaced student or alumna with special needs (housing, transportation, etc) please click here. Tracey Liphardt will be matching students and alumnae with volunteers who can assist you.
This has been a difficult and emotional week for all of us - for those who are living without the comforts of home and the ability to communicate freely - and for those of us who wait, and watch for news of our loved ones. We are particularly proud to be members of Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity. The sisterhood that you have demonstrated is to be commended, but not unexpected.
Thank you for your continued generosity.
In the bonds,
The Grand Council of Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Directors of the Founders’ Foundation
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