Flood Relief Volunteers

Just a couple of weeks ago, Columbia was devastated by record breaking floods. While many of us were left without power or clean water, some people lost every item they owned. As the news broke that the University of South Carolina would not hold classes for an entire week, many students began to pack their bags and travel back to their hometowns for a vacation. However, I was not surprised to hear that many of my sisters took this opportunity to volunteer and serve our community. Our chapter even voted to reallocate $1,500 of our budget to buy supplies we could donate. Today’s blog is written by only a handful of the girls who contributed to the flood relief efforts.

“I got to volunteer all around Columbia at churches and food pantries. It was an amazing opportunity to reach out and try to do what I could to help those going through hard times due to the flooding. The most wonderful experience I had was when my roommates and I brought supplies to a random impoverished apartment complex. We didn't really know what to do with the car-load of things so we started putting it in the front of the building. Then, one of the residents came out and we introduced ourselves. We all started knocking on doors of her neighbors to tell them about the diapers, food, and water we had brought for them. It was so cool to see how the community of Columbia was uniting even through the disaster. I was filled with so much joy to see that everyone cared so deeply for the wellbeing of their friends and family. Although this flood was awful, there has still been beauty in the struggle, and I feel honored to have been a part of it.”

-Clara Kinnison, Senior

"The devastation and incredible losses in the floods in South Carolina these last few weeks were so much more than anyone could've ever expected or imagined! Being able to volunteer and support the city that has done so much for me growing up was an incredible privilege and such a rewarding experience! From passing out water and organizing clothes, to personally delivering food, water, diapers and other supplies to a housing complex in an area that was severely hit by the floods, seeing faces of strength and gratitude was more than enough to fill our hearts with happiness!"

-Brooks Burdette, Senior

“Just the other week, our chapter selflessly voted to reallocate a portion of our chapter budget to support our Columbia community in flood relief efforts. Through our connections with the YMCA of Columbia, we learned of 4 elementary schools that were greatly impacted by the flood. Many of these students live in houses that flooded and lost all of their school supplies for the year, and most are unable to afford new supplies. We took the money and spent over two hours at Walmart filling carts. We were able to purchase backpacks, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, folders, and paper for these students, just to name a few. After shopping, we were met by other wonderful sisters who helped to separate the goods between the four schools and deliver our donations. I am so proud to be apart of such a selfless group of women, and am glad that we were able to make a difference for these children in the Columbia community."

-Peyton Billow, Junior

“Being in Columbia during the flood was definitely extremely scary, but also gave everyone a reality check that disaster can happen at your doorstep. When the flood hit, we were so lucky to be at the Tri Delta house and have our house mom with us. With the help of the house directors in Greek Village, Shanna organized a way to feed all of the Greek Village residents. We all worked together and brought food from each house to contribute to the meal. It was honestly so much fun. We all came together to cook, serve food, and create a safe (and fun) environment with music and friends. It was an awesome experience to see the selflessness of our community.

I also volunteered to go with 3 other members of Tri Delta and buy school supplies for surrounding elementary schools. This meant so much to me because these children are so young, and it is hard to be going through this traumatizing experience at that age. Being in college, you realize how important education is and how it starts when you are in elementary school. I was so happy to have such a positive impact on young kids under trying times. Experiences like these make me realize how much I love Tri Delta.”

-Caroline Kingham, Sophomore

I am so proud to call these devoted, selfless women my sisters. Thank you for being a light and inspiration for our chapter, university, and community.

DLAM,

Ericka Beane