National Day of Service

Now that our circles and members can participate in both virtual and in-person service opportunities, we want to help you explore the range of organizations that may benefit from the contributions of time and talent from our members. O∆K has adopted a theme for service through the end of 2024: Mental Health and Wellness. Circles that have not developed their signature service program are encouraged to consider adopting this theme. More resources will be available soon to assist circles in developing projects under this theme.

Please consider one of these areas and organizations below as a beneficiary of your community service. You may also want to consider volunteering with a local chapter or affiliate of some of the larger organizations.

Adult Literacy and Education

• Literacy Opportunity Fund
• National Coalition for Literacy

Animal Welfare

• Humane Society
• Mutual Rescue
• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International
• World Wildlife Fund

Children and Youth Charities

• Boy Scouts of America
• Boys and Girls Clubs of America
• Girl Scouts
• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Special Olympics
• Shriner’s Hospitals for Children
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• YMCA

Environmental Concerns

• National Geographic Society
• Nature Conservancy
• Environmental Defense Fund
• Water.org

Food Insecurity

• Feed the Children
• Feeding America
• Food for the Poor

 General Aid Organizations

• American Red Cross
• Goodwill
• Habitat for Humanity
• Salvation Army
• United Way

Health-Related Causes

• American Cancer Society
• American Heart Association
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Easter Seals
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• March of Dimes
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Start Your Recovery

Supporting the People of Ukraine

• UNICEF
• Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders
• International Committee of the Red Cross
• Save the Children
• UN Refugee Agency
• Voices of Children

O∆K encourages circles and members to be safe and follow CDC, local, and campus guidelines for any in-person service projects. Be safe while you serve!

To inspire service to our community, OΔK hosts a National Day of Service each year on the second Thursday in April. OΔK’s 11th Annual National Day of Service was held on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

You can share how you or your circle have provided service to others by submitting a report here for 2023. Want to hear what our circles and members are doing to serve? Check out the inspiring 2023 stories of leadership and service here. Additionally, you may see the 2020, 2021 and 2022 stories by clicking on the respective year.

Circles are expected to complete a signature service program each year as part of Circle Minimum Standards. The program or project does need to be held on the National Day of Service, although that is a great way to support the Society. If the program is not held on the National Day of Service, then we hope your circle and members will post images and stories on social media from your event and tag O∆K. That way, you are sharing your community engagement activities on our day to recognize service.