O∆K’s 18th National Day of Service was on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Many individuals and circles participate in service on their campuses and in their communities throughout the year. You can share how you or your circle provided service to others by submitting a report here. Here are some examples of O∆K leaders giving back in their communities:
O∆K Assistant Director for Membership Services, Renata Stankowska, along with members Richard Jankowski (Bradley University, 1982), Debbie Jankowski, and Maria Robb (Widener University, 2011), volunteered with Cradles to Crayons in Philadelphia to sort and organize donations for youth in foster care. Together, the group processed approximately 280 clothing items—helping provide essential support to around 40 children in the local community.
O∆K members participated remotely in the 2026 National Day of Service, making a meaningful difference by sending Well-Wish cards and contributing to the Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia Amazon Wish List. Through these efforts, members helped provide encouragement and essential items that support children’s well-being, confidence, and readiness to learn.
Reflecting on the experience, Dremere Woods (National Circle, 2024) shared, “As part of Omicron Delta Kappa’s 2026 National Day of Service initiative, I supported Cradles to Crayons through a donation focused on helping children and families in need. This project aligned with O∆K’s emphasis on education and youth empowerment by helping provide essential items that support children’s well-being, confidence, and readiness to learn.”
The East Carolina University Circle created bookmarks for local third-grade students in Greenville. The event brought together on-campus and distance education members of ODK, along with members of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Participants contributed by designing digital bookmarks, purchasing school supplies through an Amazon wishlist, or attending an in-person event to create bookmarks.
Shannon Blanton (UAB, 2022) and circle members served together at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Members helped fill 480 boxes of goods to assist their community.
Lilianna Palumbo, alongside SUNY Brockport’s LDP Gold Cohort, organized a community event focused on raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis and promoting preventative neurological testing. The group welcomed over 100 attendees, raised more than $930 in support of their cause, and shared educational resources through presentations, tabling, and a basket raffle in collaboration with local businesses and campus partners.
Keira led “Team Belmont for Kayley” in partnership with The Marfan Foundation’s Nashville Walk for Victory, an initiative centered on honoring her late friend Kayley Tigges and raising awareness for rare connective tissue disorders. Through a multi-week outreach campaign engaging the Belmont community, more than 30 participants joined the walk, and dozens contributed through donations and advocacy. Together, the team raised $2,810 to support research, patient resources, and community programming, earning recognition as “Most Spirited” and placing second overall in fundraising.
ECU partnered with the Health Outpatient High-Risk Clinic and organized a community gift bag drive to support expecting mothers in need. Inspired by a simple act of love, ECU curated an Amazon wish list and shared it widely to invite others to donate and collect postpartum and baby supplies for expectant mothers. What began as a small gesture grew into a meaningful contribution to mothers navigating one of the most significant seasons of their lives.
