In amidst the frenzy of classes, work, friends and extracurricular activities, Millikin’s fraternities and sororities take a moment to give back by each focusing on an individual philanthropy. However, this school year the women on the Junior Panhellenic Council decided to create an all-Greek event and collect toys for Toys for Tots.

The Greek Holiday Social was held on in Griswold Gym on Friday, December 12 from 7-9 p.m. There were a number of competitions, such as which group had the best house decorations, who wore the ugliest Christmas sweater and which house donated the most toys. Whichever house gained the most points by winning the individual events won the overall event. There were activities, like basketball, along with snacks and music. Admission to get into the event was an unopened toy.

“The purpose of the Greek Holiday Social was to create a better sense of unity throughout the different Greek chapters while supporting an amazing cause, Toys for Tots,” Rebecca Coucher, sophomore communication major and music minor, member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and vice president of recruitment for Junior Panhellenic, said. “I was so pleased with the results. We had close to three tall boxes full of toys. The Toys for Tots representative was very impressed with our results.”

“I was so excited about the turnout, since this was Junior Panhellenic’s first event,” Emily Wunnenberg, sophomore secondary social science education major, member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and member development chair for Junior Panhellenic, said. “I am hoping we have more events that help donate to a good cause, because I believe one of the best parts of being in Greek life is the philanthropies we work for. Giving back to something bigger than ourselves is what is so amazing.”

Each chapter put forth a great effort. The men of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity were the first place winners of the Holiday Social, while the men of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity donated the most toys out of any chapter.

“I think that this event is something that Junior Panhellenic will try to continue in the future and grow each year,” Kiara Smail, sophomore accounting major, member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and vice president of administration and finance for Junior Panhellenic, said.

This all-Greek social was not the only new thing created this year. The Junior Panhellenic Council was formed just last semester in order to help the Panhellenic Council already in place with certain things, as well as to have their own duties. They hope to create more events in the future to help promote Greek unity and spirit.

Meaghan Grady, sophomore elementary education major with a special education endorsement, member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and president of Junior Panhellenic, said, “I would love to see this [event continue] as a tradition and to continue supporting Toys for Tots.”

“I would love to keep this as a tradition. We had a really good turnout, and I saw people from different chapters having a blast together. That made me very happy,” Coucher said. “Be on the lookout for a spring semester event from Junior Panhellenic.”