Eliminating racism and empowering women are two core missions of the Young Women’s Club of America, and one Grand Valley State University sorority took that mantle upon themselves for a large-scale service project.

“Having volunteered at the YWCA in the playroom a few times, we noticed the room was in disrepair,” said Rachel Shinsky, a philanthropy chair for Delta Zeta sorority. “After presenting the idea to the chapter, everyone was on board with giving the playroom a little TLC.”

Once the idea was formed, the mission was immediately put into play.

“From that moment on the plans were in the works,” Shinsky said. “I went to the playroom and wrote down all the things we were going to improve and be repaired.”

Delta Zeta lent their woman-power and time to support this organization, and raised a total of $750 through online donations from parents, alumni and local stores to revamp the area.

For more than 100 years, the YWCA has provided a safe haven for individuals stuck in precarious circumstances and offers services that support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse. These services include support groups, self-defense classes and free or reduced childcare.

“As the philanthropy chair, I have been striving to really emphasize the importance of philanthropy and giving back to the community,” Shinsky said. “The execution and completion of such a large-scale project gives me reassurance that the message I have been trying to portray is getting across to the women of Delta Zeta.”

With sheer elbow grease and a weekend of dedication, the members of the sorority cleaned, scrubbed, eradicated and spiffed up the playroom, replacing the dingy rugs, the dusty curtains and the dysfunctional toys. They patched and spackled, primed, painted and replaced the dated vinyl flooring.

“This project is something we, as a chapter, are very proud of,” Shinsky said. “The weekend of work it took for us to complete the playroom makeover was well worth it and a small price to pay for the joy it is going to bring to families who use this facility.”

[email protected]