Hand cramps and tired eyes don’t stop fraternities and sororities from writing letters for hours to raise money for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

Up Till Dawn is an event Greeks participate in before Greek Week during which they request donations from friends and family members.

Being one of the largest philanthropy events within the Greek community, each chapter divides about 600 professional letters among participants.

“It’s the most important philanthropy because the whole Greek system works together to raise money,” said Erik Borczan, Sigma Phi Epsilon and philanthropy board member for Greek Week.

Greeks were asked to work extra hard this year because St. Jude’s is near discovering a cure for a type of children’s cancer, he said.

Jackie Stuopys, head of philanthropy committee for Delta Delta Delta, helped raise $32,000 last year for St. Jude’s during Greek Week.

“This year our goal is $50,000,” she said. “Philanthropy brings Greeks and other people in the university close together.”

In Sept. 2002, Tri Deltas made an endowment to raise $1 million within four years to the hospital’s Teen Room.

However, the donation was completed in May 2005, a year ahead of schedule.

Tri Deltas are also involved in Habitat for Humanity, Natural Ties and Relay for Life.

In April, Tri Deltas hold an annual golf tournament at the Mattoon Golf & Country Club, which includes a $50 entry fee and lunch.

“There’s more to Greek life than socializing and competitions,” Stuopys said. “We have high goals and work together toward one cause.”

Although all members help raise money for St. Jude’s, members also participate in other community work.

For instance, the Greek community is encouraged to participate in events like the Special Olympics, Relay for Life, Polar Plunge and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Many chapters enforce members to complete a minimal number of community service hours before being accepted into the house.

Sigma Phi Epsilon requires members to perform 10 hours of charitable service to enter the fraternity and must continue 10 hours of service work annually to stay in the chapter.

“When people think about fraternities and sororities on campus, they think about immature pranks and parties,” Borczan said. “It is either out of ignorance or a bad stereotype that this mentality is based. No one but those involved in Greek Life know the hard work involved.”

Depending on the chapter, community service varies upon the national fraternity or sorority expectations.

“Locally here on campus, the governing councils which operate the Greek community, such as Interfraternity Council, expect a minimum of 400 hours spread throughout the year for most chapters to complete,” said Bob Dudolski, director of Greek Life. “This is a minimum expectation and almost all the fraternities and sororities will far exceed that minimum expectation.”

Borczan completed some of this community service at the Coles County Animal Shelter in Charleston taking care of dogs.

“It’s kind of satisfying,” Borczan said. “Doing something for other people and not just yourself.”

Sigma Phi Epsilon also hosts a softball game called Grand Slam to raise money for Youth AIDS.

The fraternity charges $25 for each team to play and usually raises more than $1,000, Borczan said.

“Get involved, you don’t have to be Greek, just get involved with school or the community,” he said. “People help you all the time, you should do the same.”

Mayor John Inyart contacted Alpha Phi before winter break to ask them to donate gifts to teenagers.

Lauren Hogeboom, president of Alpha Phi helped bring presents like CD players, DVD players and televisions.

“We went above and beyond to get the gifts and everyone was in complete awe when they received them,” she said. “There’s a satisfaction of knowing you helped raise money for a good cause.”

Although Alpha Phi is not required to complete a certain amount of service hours, members receive incentives like recommendation letters when charity work is performed.

Participating in community service provides an outlet for members to become aware of their surrounding community and educate them of the possibilities of service they can provide to the various communities, Dudolski said.