Court Appointed Special Advocates
The women of Kappa Alpha Theta spend a great deal of their time dedicated to service.  The Kappa Alpha Theta national philanthropy is Court Appointed Special Advocates, otherwise known as CASA.  Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers, appointed by judges, to serve as the voice for abused and neglected children in the court system.  The purpose of a CASA volunteer is to ensure that these children always have someone there for them, as they are searching for answers in both the legal and social service system.

 

In the past, the women of Epsilon Iota Chapter have donated backpacks filled with supplies for the children as they sit in on long court cases, delivered bags for the children to put their personal items in, and given the young children teddy bears to remind them that there is someone out there who cares.  The members of Kappa Alpha Theta also host a week long event, entitled "Cupids for CASA Week", in which they raise money and awareness for CASA by hosting events and activities around campus for other organizations to participate in.  Some of the fun events during "Cupids for CASA Week" include: car decorating contests, dodge ball tournaments, serenades, dance-offs, target competitions, carnation sales, and many more.  In 2010, “Cupids for CASA Week” alone raised over $1,500 to be donated to the both the local CASA organization, as well as The Theta Foundation.  
 

Headstart:
Members of the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta have also adopted Headstart Daycare in Fulton, Missouri as their local philanthropy.  The women have cleaned toys, assisted in repainting the facility, helped build/put together tricycles, and spent time playing and interacting with the kids.

Philanthropy Weeks:
One way that the women of Kappa Alpha Theta give back to the community is by participating in the philanthropy weeks of other organizations at both Westminster College and William Woods University.  During the 2008-09 academic year, the women participated in five other philanthropy weeks, which helped raise money for cancer research, the ALS Foundation, and many other organizations.  These weeks allow for the women of Kappa Alpha Theta to create lasting memories with each other as they participate in fun, and somewhat crazy events, all while raising money and awareness for various charities.

Highway Clean-Up:
The Epsilon Iota chapter has a mile long stretch of Highway 54 that they are responsible for care and maintenance. In doing simple tasks, such as picking up trash off of the side of the highway, the women are able to give back to Callaway County and care for the environment, all while spending time with their sisters.

Senior Citizens Fall Ball:  Every fall, the women of the Epsilon Iota Chapter hold a Senior Citizens Fall Ball. Senior citizens from the Callaway County are invited to come spend an afternoon of fun and laughter with the women of Kappa Alpha Theta. Cake, punch, and appetizers are served. And, a band provides great musical entertainment, for swing and line dancing.

Theta Goes Green Campaign:
In the Spring 2009 Semester, the women of Kappa Alpha Theta began the “Theta Goes Green Campaign.” Members of the Epsilon Iota Chapter dedicated each week to doing something positive for the environment. One week, all members wore their Theta t-shirts to class two days in a row; by doing this, Theta saved energy and water that would have been needed to wash the t-shirts. Another week was spent cleaning up Stinson Creek – a somewhat littered area near campus in Fulton, MO. Theta spent a third week carrying paper grocery bags around campus to be filled with paper, soda cans, soda bottles, and anything else to be recycled.  The second “Theta Goes Green Campaign” was carried out in a similar fashion during the Spring 2010 Semester; the Epsilon Iota Chapter hopes that this will become an annual event. 
 
More Volunteer Opportunities:
And, the giving back doesn’t stop here! The women of Kappa Alpha Theta have assisted in planning and coordinating several events for the Fulton Area Girl Scouts, helped rake leaves for elderly citizens in Callaway County as a part of “Into the Streets” and “Spring Clean Up” Projects, participated in Relay for Life held on Westminster’s campus, took volunteer trips as members of the Service Corps or Habitat for Humanity, participated in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in St. Louis, and volunteered at the area food shelter and soup kitchen. The volunteer opportunities for the women of the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta are endless!