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The Theta Xi Zeta Chapter is hosting its annual Mingling and Jingling Christmas Party on Dec. 23 at the Beautiful Beginnings Event Planning Venue. 

The event will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and is open to the public with tickets priced at $20 per person. 

“You know, for so many years, our organization has been kind of closed off, so we’re trying to let people know that we welcome the public,” president of the chapter, Nicole Joseph said. “Even though some people might not be able to join the organization, we still want to fellowship with the community, and we want to let them know that we are available.”

All of the proceeds from the Christmas party will be put toward helping the community through various scholarships and programs sponsored by the chapter. One program in particular, the Dare to Soar Program, is used to serve underprivileged students who choose to fight for their education amidst hardship.

The Dare to Soar Program started this year with its “Night of Excellence,” honoring four students in total from LaGrange High School, Troup County High School and Callaway High School. 

“Last year was our first year doing the dare to SOAR program, and it was for kids who basically didn’t meet the required GPA to be valedictorian or weren’t going to a two-year school or a four-year university,” Joseph said. “We invited them to our program, we gave them plaques for Dare to Soar, and we had someone from their school speak about how their life was just different but how they still made it and graduated.”

In addition to the Dare to Soar Program, the Theta Xi Zeta Chapter has begun branching out further to the community of Troup County amidst arrival of Joseph’s presidency. 

“People are telling me that this is the most they have seen us or that they see us at every organization,” Joseph said. “I would love to have more partnerships, and we’ve seen an increase since I became the president, but I think we could definitely be more out of this world in the near future.”

The chapter will also be hosting several more events in the coming year, including the MLK Parade, a Day of Service and more. Joseph urges everyone from the community to join in their cause of service. 

“We are always trying to do service and we’re always trying to give back to the community,” Joseph said. “We pay dues and the money turns around and goes right back into the community.”

“We’re trying to let everybody know we’re open and willing to work with the public and that people don’t have to be part of a Greek organization to help.”