The Sigma Chi fraternity held a Marine donation drive last week in the Marvin Center that collected more than 100 hygiene and entertainment items including magazines, toiletries and DVDs.

In addition to these donations, several members of Greek-letter organizations like Alpha Epsilon Phi, Pi Beta Phi and Sigma Kappa wrote letters of support to the troops. Some student Reserve Officer Training Corps participants also donated and supported the event.

The White House’s Marine Liaison Office will receive all donations Sigma Chi collected and will distribute them among U.S. Marine Corps members, said junior Peter Cassell, chairman of community service and philanthropy for the fraternity.

“Just like everyone else, the holidays are hard away from home, and our troops abroad are giving the ultimate sacrifice for their country every minute of every day,” said Sigma Chi President Patrick Leonard. “This drive is a way we can give thanks to our troops and let them know that their valiant efforts don’t go unrecognized.”

“When this idea came up at our chapter, the room just lit up and you knew that this was something special,” Leonard said. “I look forward to making it a tradition with another drive next year.”

In addition to this community service event, the Sigma Chi fraternity will soon begin volunteer work with Casey Trees, an organization that plants saplings around D.C. The fraternity will also continue raising money for its international philanthropies the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network.