Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority , Inc.
Epsilon Lambda Sigma
Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter
ELS Programs
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority provides service to the community through its national programs. Epsilon Lambda Sigma hosts several national programs including: March for Babies in partnership with March of Dimes, Project CRADLE Care, Operation Big Book Bag, Swim 1922, Youth Symposium as well as several local programs such as: Annual Thanksgiving Community Service Projects and Toy Drive.
March for Babies
Sigma Gamma Rho is a national March for Babies team, in support of our partner, the March of Dimes. We help babies by raising funds which can be used to sponsor research, medical services and support to families with premature births. Epsilon Lambda Sigma and affiliates participate in March For Babies walks which are scheduled in the spring of the year.
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​Our chapter donates $1,922 annually to the March of Dimes to financially support families with education, services and exciting new research into new treatments to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant loss.
Operation Big Book Bag
Operation Big Book Bag is a national initiative of the Sorority that provides needed school supplies to children. Members of ELS make available, to selected facilities in Cincinnati, book bags, notebooks, writing and drawing paper, pencils and pens, dictionaries, and many other needed school items. On Friday, August 31st, Epsilon Lambda Sigma Chapter partnered with the Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association (CAFA) for Operation Big Book Bag, benefiting the students at Cincinnati AchievementRothenberg Prepartory Academy. The effort provided a book bag, requested school supplies to each of the over 120 students at Cincinnati Achievement Academy along with supplies such as hand sanitizer and wipes for classrooms. We also provided students at Hughes STEM with over 1,000 masks and 600 water bottles.
Project Cradle Care
Project CRADLE Care is a prenatal education and resource program. It seeks to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk communities by increasing the number of women of childbearing age who receive adequate prenatal education and prenatal care. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. through Project CRADLE Care provides a wealth of information, resources, and tools for women of childbearing ages to help to ensure a healthy baby.
Swim 1922
Great turnout for Swim 1922 on March 9, 2019. Nearly 50 youth participated in the event. SWIM 1922 is a National initiative for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. which aims to promote swim safety among African American youth. The program is designed to teach swim safety tips, teach the youth how to swim, and to help reduce the rates of drownings in the African American community.
Youth Symposium
Epsilon Lambda Sigma hosts the Youth Symposium annually in March. The Youth Symposium is a dynamic day of ideas, innovation and honest conversation to capitalize on our community's progress and explore strategies for our youth’s success. The goal of the symposium is to create dialogue and have opportunities for youth in communities that are underserved to connect to resources, and to provide inspiration for making positive and long-last change. This year Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. presents an impactful, dynamic, National VIRTUAL Sigma Youth Symposium for 2021 aimed at uplifting and inspiring our “Unstoppable and Boundless” youth! Youth ages 8 – 18, Sorors, Philos and Parents are invited and encouraged to attend on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. More Information
Local Programs
Annual Thanksgiving Community Service Project
Epsilon Lambda Sigma Chapter and the Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association (CAFA) partner for the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway. This effort provides families in the community who receive bags of food, which include a turkey and makings for side dishes. Unfortunately, many families are struggling to put food on the table and even more so during the pandemic. Recognizing the need, Epsilon Lambda Sigma and CAFA worked safely together to provide meals to these families.
Annual Toy Drive
Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Sigma Chapter and the Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association (CAFA) partnered again to share the joy of the holiday season for the 2021 Annual Holiday Toy Drive. This unprecedented year has caused us to be more adaptive in serving the community while adhering to safety protocols such as wearing masks and social distancing. The Annual Toy Drive looked a little different this year as we had minimal volunteers and recipients present. Several groups were blessed with toys and gift cards.