Philanthropy is one of the core tenets of Greek Life. Each chapter at Texas A&M has a specific cause they support throughout the year through various charitable events. A recent initiative, known at Texas A&M as "In My Bag," created a united effort for good by bringing all Greek Life together for one cause. 

The initiative is led by graduate student Sydney Harris and a committee of student leaders from each of the four Greek councils on campus. The main event of the effort, Bag Day, was held in April, where Greek students readied over 12,000 canned goods and hygiene products for donation to The 12th Can.  

Harris is in her practicum year in the Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education Masters Program and chose this project because she was inspired by her time in a sorority during her undergraduate studies. “It showed me a lot of things just as far as working with students: different student dynamics and different council dynamics because every council is very unique,” Harris said.

Bringing this diverse group of students together was a project that yielded great benefit. Through the combined effort of the Greek councils, In My Bag was able to collect the largest donation to The 12th Can in the history of the organization. In total 13,049 lbs, or 41,149 items, were collected by Greek students. These numbers contributed to the total 43,407 items collected in this year’s SEC Food Fight, a collaboration with pantries across the SEC to combat food insecurity and support campus community members in need.  

“The donations provided through the In my Bag initiative will expand our reach and allow us to serve more people. We are overjoyed and grateful to everyone who donated to help our fellow Aggies!” said Mahak Ali, associate director of The 12th Can. This project not only showcased a unified effort between Greek Councils, but highlighted how big of an impact Aggies can make when they band together for the common good.  

Representing just 10% of the undergraduate student population, fraternity and sorority members are committed to their academics, developing and strengthening their leadership skills, volunteering time in the community and continually forming a campus and cultural support network for current and incoming Aggies. Fraternities and sororities have enhanced the lives of more than 20,000 Aggies since their inception.

To learn more on how to give to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life or The 12th Can, contact givetostudentaffairs@txamfoundation or 979-458-1689.