Utah State fraternity reaches out to serve local community

Utah State University’s branch of Alpha Tau Omega gathered on Monday evening to crochet hats for local cancer patients.

The fraternity met at a member’s home to work on the ongoing service project.

“We have done this on numerous occasions and our goal is to crochet 100 hats, four per person, and deliver them as a group to those who are battling to survive,” said JD Arnold, the ATO social service chairman.

According to Arnold, the fraternity requires each member to log 15 service hours per semester. That’s an average of 300 hours each semester for the group.

“More than anything, being Greek means you are part of something bigger than yourself,” said Trent Morrison, chapter president of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “Members of fraternities and sororities actively look for ways to positively impact our community.”

Each organization in the Greek community at USU establishes its own service requirements for members. According to Arnold, each day presents new opportunities for growth.

“This type of service helps us bond as brothers as well as providing for ample opportunity to serve local people in Cache Valley who are battling this disease,” Arnold said.

Interfraternity Council president Michael Ruefenacht said it is important to serve the local community “because we’re all in this together.”

“We enjoy helping others,” Ruefenacht said, “whether it’s helping local organizations by raising money or helping our fellow Aggies on campus.”

Kylee Hopkin, Morgan Pratt, Matthew Thomas, Cristina Johnson and Cailey Chaney contributed to this report.