Our Programs

International Awareness

International Awareness programs promote a better understanding and deeper appreciation for the contributions and struggles of people and cultures different from one’s own. Program goals are implemented through the scholarships of public programs, forums and travelogues involving international students and through donations of health care and personal hygiene equipment and supplies to refugee settlements in Africa and other countries.

ZanaAfrica Outreach

More than 800,000 girls in Kenya miss a week of school every month when they have their period because they don’t have access to sanitary pads. They shouldn’t have to! You can help ZanaAfrica’s mission to eradicate gender-based poverty and exclusion by helping girls be the force of change in their lives through a straightforward tool: a sanitary pad.

To learn more and to partner with the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, follow this video link for more stats and details as to how we’re keeping girls in school.

You can donate online or learn about the issue and join in the solution at www.zanaafrica.org.

Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital

(formerly Thika Memorial Hospital)

Nothing is more precious than the gift of life. And, there is nothing more miraculous than the birthing of a child bringing new life into being. Prenatal care and safe birth deliveries are practices often taken for granted in America. Yet, adequate prenatal and maternity care is seldom experienced by women in our ancestral homeland of Africa.

Realizing this critical health issue, in 1955, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority began making plans and laying the groundwork to establish a maternity hospital in the east African country of Kenya. The plans for a facility came to fruition in the early 1960s when Delta made a major donation to help finance the construction of the Thika Maternity Hospital in Thika, Kenya, which is now named Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital.

The first hospital to open after Kenya gained its independence, Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital continues to be operated by the missionary sisters of the Holy Rosary. In 1985 members of the Sorority visited the hospital and saw firsthand the increased population and infant mortality rate in and around Thika. Delta responded by donating over $20,000 in 1985, which was used to establish two additional maternity wards and an administrative office.

Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital has grown to 120 beds. It provides affordable prenatal and postnatal care, nutritional education, child immunization, and family planning. The hospital gives prenatal care, including lab work, blood tests, and examinations, to more than 200 women daily. The facility also has a special care nursery for babies after delivery. The hospital also serves as an educational institution for nurses and midwives. Over 66 students are trained each year.

Delta urges all sorors and friends of Delta to embrace our global community of Thika, Kenya, with financial contributions to:

Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital
Post Office Box 96181
Washington, DC 20009

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child

The International Awareness Committee and Chapter sorors answer the prayers of needy children around the world by collecting gift boxes of toys and basic living essentials.

How to Pack a Shoe Box

  1. SHOE BOX: Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.
  2. BOY OR GIRL? Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.
  3. FILL WITH GIFTS: Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.
  4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION: Please donate $10 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs.

Gift Ideas

  1. TOYS: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
  2. SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
  3. HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
  4. OTHER: Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
  5. A PERSONAL NOTE: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

See www.samaritanspurse.org for instructions on creating ideal gift boxes.