This spring Surry Community College’s Alpha Xi Tau Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society partnered with the James Hunter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to help feed disadvantaged and homeless veterans in our region.
The two organizations collected approximately 152 pounds of non-perishable food items for the Veterans Coalition Food Pantry.
The Veterans Coalition assists homeless and needy veterans and their families. According to the Veterans Life Center of North Carolina, “Veterans account for only approximately 9.8 percent of the total population of North Carolina, but 18-20 percent of all homeless individuals in North Carolina.” The reasons are varied and numerous: lack of affordable housing, job insecurity, income loss, substance abuse, and health challenges. In addition, many veterans live with the lingering effect of PTSD, often compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. Plus, military occupations and training are not always transferable to the civilian workforce, placing some veterans at a disadvantage when competing for employment.
That’s why food pantries, like the Veterans Coalition are so important. PTK Honor Society officer, Veronika DiMeo stated, “What a great cause this is to help others less fortunate. Being a veteran myself, it brings me joy to help whenever I can, and I am glad I received a notice about PTK membership which allows me to be surrounded by kindness and like-minded and compassionate people. The added bonus of partnerships empowers us to lead with heart.”
Surry Community College’s PTK Chapter Advisor Dr. Kathleen D. Fowler said, “I’m really proud of the efforts made by our chapter to help members of our community. They not only identify local needs, but they make the effort to help fulfill those needs. It is through these efforts that we can make a real difference in the lives of real people. The officer team and chapter members are shining examples of leadership, service, scholarship, and fellowship, the four pillars on which Phi Theta Kappa is based. They have my respect.”
For more than a century, the members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution have dedicated themselves to historical preservation, promotion of education, and encouragement of patriotic endeavor. These goals are as relevant in today's society as they were when the organization was founded in 1890.
Most of DAR's volunteer work is accomplished by the grassroots efforts of chapters on the local level which focus on the mission areas of DAR by encouraging members to become involved in these initiatives in their local communities.
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations.
For more information about Phi Theta Kappa and their projects, contact PTK's Faculty Advisor Dr. Kathleen Fowler at (336) 386-3560 or fowlerk@surry.edu or go to www.ptk.org. You can also follow the local chapter at on Facebook @surryPhiThetaKappa.
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