London's Letter of Love
Written by London Van Pelt, Oklahoma State '19
Letters of Love is a campaign where Alpha Xi Deltas raise money for FosterClub and StandUp for Kids. Through The Kindly Hearts Initiative's philanthropic focus, supporting nonprofit organizations serving children and teens experiencing foster care or homelessness, Sisters also have the opportunity to support organizations that are also making a difference in local communities. Today I want to share my "why" for supporting Letters of Love and why the focus of The Kindly Hearts Initiative is so dear to my heart.
My reason why has everything to do with my three youngest siblings who were adopted through the foster care system. I have seen firsthand the struggles that are often the reality for children and teens experiencing foster care. I feel so lucky to be a part of a Sisterhood that is raising money and awareness for these causes.
Through my time as an undergraduate, my chapter connected with Lions Meadows of Hope, an organization that focuses on keeping siblings in the foster care system together. I immediately felt a connection to Lions Meadows of Hope for this reason. My family was told from the time we got custody of my youngest three siblings that if we hadn’t taken them, they would have been split up. While this was something my family was able to prevent, it is a reality for many children experiencing foster care.
I got the opportunity to volunteer for Lions Meadows of Hope’s monthly babysitting nights, and I participated in numerous donation drives for coats and back-to-school. These babysitting nights allowed foster parents to attend educational sessions on topics related to the foster children in their care while also allowing them to connect with other foster families. I was able to see firsthand the impact of my time and my fundraising efforts.
Alpha Xi Delta believes all children and teens deserve unconditional love and support. I feel so lucky to support such amazing organizations through the Kindly Heart Initiative. I am so proud of the work of my Sisters, and I am so grateful for your continued support! Please consider making a gift to the Letters of Love Campaign today.