Much of Greek life centers on service and collaboration among its members and the broader community. As part of its longstanding effort to make a positive impact in River Falls and beyond, the College Panhellenic Council (CPH) organized an American Red Cross blood drive April 14–16 in the Falcon’s Nest.
Blood drives have been a Greek life initiative at UW–River Falls for several years, with fraternities hosting one in the fall and sororities hosting in the spring.
Sororities Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII), Phi Mu and Sigma Alpha helped run this semester’s event. Volunteers checked in donors, distributed refreshments and provided support as needed.
Several members described the experience as rewarding.
“Being there to volunteer made the whole experience easier on the people involved, which made it less stressful for everyone,” said Megan Lautenbach, a freshman member of AOII.
The event was coordinated by CPH President Taylah Manners, who viewed the blood drive as “an opportunity to bring different chapters together for [an effort that] promot[ed] service, leadership and community engagement on campus.”
Manners worked to ensure Red Cross staff had an organized, supportive environment and kept volunteers on
track throughout the event.
“[The event] helped me build stronger relationships within my sorority,” Manners said, “as well as gain a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility through service.”
This year’s blood drive collected 98 pints of blood from 117 donors, including 23 first-time participants. With the addition of 17 Power Red donors, the contributions have the potential to assist up to 294 patients in the coming weeks.
Manners said she hopes UWRF sororities continue to strengthen their community, expand outreach and increase member involvement.
“Volunteering helps develop a wide range of important skills,” she said. “Working with a team and staying organized can make the experience both manageable and rewarding.”
Fall recruitment for sororities will take place Sept. 14, 15, 17 and 18.
Regardless of membership, organizers emphasized that “service is a valuable experience that can benefit anyone.”