In celebration of National Criminal Justice Month, members of the Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma (the national Criminal Justice Honor Society) identified a way to give back to the Tampa Bay community. The group partnered with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to raise money for the Crisis Center and assist with clean up around their facility.
Volunteers take a picture on the bags of lawn trash collected at the Crisis Center.
The group collected donations to purchase items from the Crisis Center’s Amazon Wish List, including office products, children’s books, towels and washcloths, sensory items to calm anxiety, and undergarments. So far, the team has raised over $750 for the organization. According to Colby Valentine, PhD, advisor of Alpha Phi Sigma, they also applied for an Advocacy Grant via the national organization which would raise another $250 for the center, bringing them to their goal of $1,000.
Additionally, on Friday, March 31, two faculty and ten student members volunteered their time at the Crisis Center. They started the day with an informational session about the services offered and a tour of the facility and then raked leaves for approximately four hours.
Members rake leaves on the property.
Because the campus is covered in large oak trees that drop many leaves, it would cost the agency thousands of dollars to hire a landscaper to clean up around the property. Therefore, with the group's help, the Crisis Center is able to use that money for the clients they serve, as well as the Tampa Bay community.
If you would like contribute to Alpha Phi Sigma's fundraiser for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, click here.