Alpha Phi sorority is trying something new this year. In an attempt to build its community service hours, the women will hold a first annual food drive tomorrow for Kent Social Services.

Kent State sororities have an evaluation at the end of each year. Alpha Phi scored the lowest in community service last year, said Becky Blevins, Alpha Phi member and junior marketing major,

“Instead of a regular retreat, this will build up community service,” Blevins said.

The food drive will replace a team building activity, like camping, but it still gives sorority members a chance to bond. New members will have a chance to directly interact with older members, Blevins said.

The Alpha Phi women will be split into groups, and each will be assigned to an area of Kent. They will knock on house and apartment doors, but they cannot solicit to on-campus residence halls.

They will ask for food donations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All the food they collect will be brought back to the Alpha Phi house and picked up by Kent Social Services on Monday.

The sorority hopes to collect 1,500 pounds of food tomorrow, said Kaylee Hills, Alpha Phi member and junior marketing major.

The women will also accept food and money donations at their house until Sunday night, she said.

“It’d be nice to see students get involved,” Hills said. However, the university held a food drive last weekend that may decrease Kent State student participation, she said.

Alpha Phi has been hanging fliers to promote this service project.

Blevins said it will help people become aware of the sorority. Also, it’s a great time of year for this particular service event.

“With the holidays coming up, pantries will be dry,” she said.

Alpha Phi hopes this is a successful event for the organization.

“It will show that members of the chapters do care what’s going on in the community and not just partying and being friends,” Hills said.

Contact Greek life reporter Tracy Tucholski at [email protected].