Derived from the Greek words philos [loving] + anthrōpos [man], philanthropy has become a central part of the Omega Delta Phi Alumni Association’s (ODPAA) activities. We realize the importance of giving back to the community that served as our home during our college years. When we celebrated our 50th Anniversary in July of 2011, ODPAA renewed our commitment to show our love of mankind through various philanthropic efforts.
Reunion Weekend School Supply Drive
Beginning in 2014, the sisters of ODPAA chose to donate school supplies to a school in the Potsdam area during Reunion Weekend in July. Since then we have collected and delivered several palettes of supplies to schools in the area. Believing that no student should have to worry about having the necessary supplies, during the 2017 Reunion Weekend, we again collected and donated school supplies to Lawrence Avenue Elementary School.
Reunion Weekend All-Greek Alumni Canned Food Drive
Joining in with our fellow alumni, Greek or otherwise, ODPAA encourages our sisters to donate to the All-Greek Alumni Canned Food Drive held during Reunion Weekend. We also help by placing donation boxes near our RW headquarters at the Townhouses making it easier for everyone to simply drop items off right where we stay. Donations are given to the campus food pantry as well as a local pantry.
American Cancer Society Relay For Life
2017 marked the 11th SUNY Potsdam Relay For Life and Omega Delta Phi was there! This event brings our Actives and our Alum together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Joining efforts like this not only helps the cause but strengthens the bonds of sisterhood. The money raised through Relay For Life events helps realize the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives, celebrate life, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.
For two years, Omega Delta Phi has earned Gold Team Status for raising between 5,000-7499 dollars. In 2016 we were the highest total of any Greek organization, = 2nd overall. In 2017 we were the top fundraising team, placing us 1st overall.
In the news: Omega Delta Phi and Relay For Life in the news
Alumni and Actives Knit Hats for “Big Hearts, Little Hats”
In February 2016, the Actives delivered 50 red knit hats to Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s The Birthplace for newborns born in February as part of Heart Health Month’s “Big Hearts, Little Hats” campaign. In February 2017, 118 little red hats were delivered to the hospital!
Sisters from afar who knit hats make arrangements to ship them to the Actives and they, in turn, collect all the hats and deliver them to the hospital. This is another wonderful joint effort between the Actives and alumni!
In the news: Sorority donates 50 hats for newborns at Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s The Birthplace
Bookshelf Presented to Potsdam Library
In 2011, Omega Delta Phi celebrated a milestone, 50th anniversary. During Alumni Weekend 2011 Omega donated a bookshelf to the children’s corner at the Potsdam Public Library.
“On behalf of the Potsdam Public Library staff, patrons and Board of Trustees – you have our most sincere thanks for your donation of the new toddler book cart. Our children’s section is well used and this cart makes it easy for our patrons and their little ones to find their favorite books and frees up valuable space for sitting and reading. Thank you so much.” ~ Jane Lavigne, Trustee
In the news: Omega Delta Phi Alumni Association bookshelf presentation in the news.