Alpha Phi Omega Tau Chapter not only serves the campus of the University of Florida and the wider Gainesville community through our weekly service program, but also serves the nation, or even the world, by way of our Philanthropy Program. Each semester, the Philanthropy Chairs select a national or international organization or cause to raise money for throughout the semester. A check is presented to the organization at the end of the semester from our chapter. In Spring 2019, Tau raised over $1200 for Days For Girls and contributed over 100 service hours to the organization. In Fall 2019, Tau raised over $1800 for Hope Lodge and volunteered there multiple times throughout the semester.

          Each semester, the Alpha Phi Omega Tau chapter supports a different organization as our philanthropy that we believe demonstrates the key principles of leadership, friendship, and service. This semester, Spring 2024, our philanthropy is St. Francis House—a non-profit organization whose mission is to “empower families with children to achieve permanent and stable self-sufficiency by providing case management; nutritious meals; and educational, health and career resources; in a safe and secure environment.” Our chapter chose this organization because the funds we raise will go a long way in helping these families succeed and we appreciate that St. Francis House will provide opportunities for long-term success for those who need extra support.

          There are many different ways our chapter will be helping St. Francis House this semester. Last semester we raised over $600 for the, and hope to do just as much or more this semester! Our main methods will be to offering service in the form of volunteering and an ongoing donation drive. Volunteering with St. Francis House looks like our members helping to prepare, cook, and  brunch meals; setting up for outreach services; and assisting with facility work projects, such as cleaning or painting. In addition, our chapter also plans on hosting one ongoing semester-long donation drive where we will be collecting items such as clothes, hygiene items, school supplies, household items, and many more. We are also fundraising, look out for us in Turlington area on 2/14!

See the image below or click the link for a full list of items that can be donated. 

We are looking forward to a great semester with an even greater organization and cannot wait to make meaningful impacts on the families of Alachua county with St. Francis House!