Celebrating the Lasting Impact of Volunteers at the Blind Children’s Center

This Volunteer Appreciation Month, Blind Children’s Center (BCC) is celebrating the extraordinary individuals whose generosity helps light the way for the children it serves. Volunteers are more than supporters — they are a key part of the community that allows BCC to create a nurturing, inclusive space for children with blindness or visual impairments. Their time, energy and heart make a lasting difference in the lives of the students and families.

One of BCC’s longest and most cherished partnerships is with the Delta Gamma (DG) Fraternity. Since the Center’s founding in 1938, DG collegians and alumnae have remained steadfast supporters. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year alone, DG women dedicated an impressive 274 hours of volunteer service. Whether supporting events, lending a hand with projects or leading visitors on tours, their involvement has been deeply felt throughout the Center.

DG volunteers were instrumental in the success of BCC’s Grand Reopening on November 1, 2024, contributing 80 volunteer hours. Their presence and support helped create a joyful atmosphere, offering guests an inside look at the life-changing work BCC carries out every day. DG members also helped bring holiday cheer at the LAPD Holiday Party

 and joy to students during the Spring Celebration.

“The warmth and enthusiasm of our Delta Gamma volunteers is felt throughout campus when they visit,” said Community Relations Manager Jasmin Joya. “Their visits bring laughter, connection and a spirit of belonging that creates a lasting impact on all our students. We are honored to celebrate these wonderful volunteers this month.”

A major highlight of the year was the 160 hours that DG members have spent during tours on Collegian Volunteer Days. On these special days, students from DG chapters from universities are invited to learn about BCC’s history, meet the Disabilities Services team, complete a service project and visit with students. The children especially enjoy playing tag,painting and blowing bubbles with their DG friends.

The impact of DG extends beyond volunteering. Through the selection of BCC as their Charity of Choice, DG chapters provide vital financial support to the Center. Events like Anchor Splash, Anchor Slam and Anchor Bowl have raised an impressive $70,321 this year alone, helping to fund BCC’s programs and services.

“We are immensely grateful to the incredible volunteers that pour their time, energy and heart into BCC,” said Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “In particular, we thank the women of Delta Gamma for their unwavering commitment to supporting our mission of providing an inclusive environment where children of all abilities can learn, grow and thrive.”

One standout effort came from the University of Southern California’s DG chapter, which raised over $30,000. BCC is incredibly grateful to all the participating chapters, including those from:

  • California State University, Long Beach
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • Chapman University
  • Drexel University
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Pepperdine University
  • South Bay Alumnae chapter
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • University of Mississippi

To learn more about how your collegian or alumna DG chapter can support BCC, please visit blindchildrenscenter.org/volunteer/.