The members of Gamma Sigma Sigma sat laughing in Downing University Center Sunday night before their meeting.

As they waited, they teased each other, giggling at jokes only those in the sorority would understand.

For students wanting the close bonds of friendship that a sorority or fraternity can bring, there is an alternative to joining a social organization – service organization. These service sororities and fraternities provide a social bond for students as they work in the community without being part of the typical Greek system.

Gamma Sigma Sigma’s purpose is to bring students together for service to the campus and the community. The group also holds fund raisers for different organizations.

“We have the bond of sisterhood and get to do service at the same time,” said Nashville junior Monica Corlew.

Many of the members joined Gamma Sigma Sigma because they wanted to make a difference in the lives of the student body and the people in the community.

“Some people just need other people to look up to,” said Morganfield senior Aurelia Spaulding. “Lots of people say they want to do service, but nobody ever does.”

Knowing that they’ve done something good for the community and that they can look back on the impact they’ve made, gives members a rewarding feeling.

“The best thing is when we’re tutoring and seeing the look on their face when the kids understand and knowing that I helped them learn,” said Frankfort junior Heather Howard.

Spaulding, the group’s president, estimated that the chapter averages about 500 hours of community service a semester. Service projects the group has participated in include tutoring at the Boys and Girls Club, building homes for Habitat for Humanity and fund raising for organizations like the American Cancer Society and the women’s shelter Brass, Inc.

Members try participate in at least one service project a week, with at least 10 service projects each semester.

Gamma Sigma Sigma has also volunteered with nursing home patients at Wellington Parc.

“You may be the only visitor the patients see and they feel better just knowing that you care,” said Radcliff junior Chinelle Smith. “It feels good to know we’re helping people.”

To become a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma, a student must be in good academic standing with the University and perform a minimum of 15 hours of service a semester. Gamma Sigma Sigma accepts all eligible students regardless of race and creed.

The group is holding its fall rush meeting at 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 in room 305 of DUC.