Karen Gilpin, Xi Alpha Chi Service Chair (right), presents Lisa Stratton, Membership and Individual Gifts manager at Southwest Human Development, with boxes and bags filled with children’s books donated by the sorority (submitted photo).
Xi Alpha Chi is a Phoenix chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an international women’s social, cultural, and service organization. Every year the chapter chooses one or two service projects that the women dedicate themselves to accomplishing. The 2016-17 year revolved around children’s literacy.
Partnering with Southwest Human Development, the sorority collected and donated 172 children’s books to its “Reach Out and Read” and “Raising a Reader” programs. Southwest Human Development has been serving Arizona’s children and families since 1981 to educate parents about the importance of early literacy. Through its programs, Southwest Human Development supplies books to children growing up in poverty and who often are at risk for reading and school failure.
In addition, Xi Alpha Chi gave Southwest Human Development a check for $75 to be used for its early literacy programs.
To learn more about Beta Sigma Phi International and inquire about pledging one of its chapters, visit www.betasigmaphi.org.
