This past week marked the start of Lambda Alpha Theta Sorority’s philanthropy project “The Tree of Life,” benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Latina sorority had multiple events throughout the week to help raise money for the hospital.

Throughout the week, the ladies encouraged donations outside of Market Square during the lunch hours. With each donation, a paper leaf with the donator’s name was added to the paper tree on display.

“As more people donate, the tree grows and gives more life,” said President Diana Gonzales. “All that money is going to help children who have terminally ill diseases.”

St. Jude’s is a hospital in Memphis, Tenn. that specializes in children’s diseases and research.

While donations were accepted from passing students all week, the main event of the philanthropy was the letter writing party on Wednesday evening. TCU students were invited to write letters to family and friends to encourage donations to St. Jude’s.

“We are targeting firstly our family members, but after we are targeting the Fort Worth community, businesses and things of that nature,” said senior Karla Rodriguez.

Lambda Theta Alpha surpassed its goal last year and hopes to do the same this time.

The letter-writing event attracted many TCU students, looking to help spread awareness for the cause.

“I want a lot of people to know about St. Jude’s and to let them know they can help,” explained freshman Raul Salas. “Anyone can be part of the solution.”

Student response to the event was very strong, with numerous students showing up to write their relatives and help out St. Jude’s.