The Greeks are about as foreign to me as the Middle East.

But I do know that fraternities and sororities at Sacramento State do a great deal of volunteer work.

It seems to me that volunteers do not receive enough praise for their philanthropy.

The time these brothers and sisters devote to Safe Rides is one reason that the student run program still gets us drunkards home safe after a night of partying. (Nevermind that they are stereotypically the prime beneficiaries of its services.)

Sororities in the Panhellenic Society and fraternities in the Intrafraternity Council are required to volunteer. Greek organizations on campus volunteer for elementary school reading programs, the Special Olympics, the YMCA, elderly homes and hold clothing drives among other activities.

In today’s selfish world there is a disturbing lack of selflessness. It is sometimes hard to think about other people’s needs when we are all trying to scrape by ourselves.

While riding Regional Transit I often see seniors struggling to stand as able-bodied students take up two seats. These aren’t the type of people volunteering at the old folks home.

I’ve never lauded the Greeks before, but I think they ought to be congratulated for their selfless work. Between working, going to school and maintaining a social life they still manage to set aside some time to help others.

So what’s our excuse?

Our community and campus would be a far better place if we would show we care about things other than ourselves.

The homeless are people in need of assistance — our assistance.

Try not to take luxury for grant ed by volunteering at Loaves & Fishes, located at 1321 North C St., or another such organization.

A few hours of time means a great deal to those living the struggle.

Why not lend a hand to the animal population? Despite efforts to control strays and lost pets there is still a great number of furry creatures who could use our help. The Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also gratefully accepts volunteers.

Still don’t have time for selfless devotion? But wait! I bet volunteering for credits doesn’t sound so bad.

The Learning Resource Center, otherwise known as “Mall Hall,” is a student-run program located at the east end of Florin Mall. Student interns receive up to three upper division elective credits while helping people with computers.

Mall Hall is geared toward students majoring in studies within the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, but is open to any student at Sac State.

“In many instances we can work with departments to arrange elective credit in the student’s major,” said Joseph Sheley, dean of that college.

Mall Hall offers free printing and Internet access to people who would not otherwise have access to such a resource. Helping to provide vital job skills is an indispensable community service.

Drop by Amador Hall room 255 for more information. Anyone with a basic knowledge of computers and six to eight hours to spare a week is an ideal candidate.

Although there might be enough Greeks to fill a stadium, there aren’t enough to help everyone, so the rest of us need to get up off our lazy asses and lend a hand.

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