[SigmaPezY60]

my school didn't (and still doesn't) do a traditional formal recruitment with a designated "philanthropy" day or any of that.

But the Delta Phi Epsilon chapter traditionally hosts a "PB&J" Event during the recruitment period each semester. Sometimes they'll have it in the dorms and sometimes they'll set up a table in the campus center for students to come by and make a sandwhich for themselves and a few for the nearby homeless shelter. It has always been a great way for them to meet students and get their name out. It also helps members to get to know girls that are interested in joining a sorority. It's very practical too. (too bad they started doing it first!)

My sorority's community service is organizing & hosting the bi-semester blood drives on campus. They always try to schedule one during recruitment. In addition to the Blood Bank information we also give out information about our organization and what we do and our upcoming events. It's a great way for our members to meet a wide range of students as well as faculty that come by between classes to donate blood. Many of the freshmen remember us as the blood drive sorority.

I think though that when it comes to "philanthropy" that the PNM's are able to see that they are helping your efforts...and not just doing some craft project. So if you have your PNM's decorating and filling Goodie Bags for a children's hospital...it might be a good idea to put together some sort of display of photos for when your members delivered the goody bags and spent time volunteering there. That way the PNM's can ask questions and get a better sense of what your organization's philanthropy is.