The Alpha Omicron Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Oklahoma recently donated more than $8,000 to Crossroads Youth -- Family Services Inc. for renovation of the Cleveland County Emergency Youth Shelter.

The funds include proceeds from the Theta Pancake Party, held Dec. 4 at the chapter's house. A committee of 16 Thetas planned the party and more than 800 students and guests attended. The Christmas theme featured a visit from Santa and his elves, and chapter members contributed 300 hours of work to make the arrangements, host the party and cook the food.

"We wanted to shower (Crossroads Youth -- Family) with love during the holidays," said Alissa Myers, vice president of public relations for the Thetas. "The children we met at the shelter were so sweet, and we were happy to be able to help with renovation of the place that provides them shelter when they need it."

The Emergency Youth Shelter opened in 1969 and was the first one in Oklahoma. The shelter serves children who have been removed from their homes due to alleged abuse and neglect, those who have run away from home and those who are at other crisis points in their lives. The agency is gearing up for the shelter's 40th birthday this year by planning a Shelter Rededication April 21.

"We are so grateful to the Thetas for their marvelous donation to this important work," said Crossroads' Executive Director Lisa Winters. "This made the children's lives a little brighter during the holiday season and will help us give a much-needed facelift to the shelter's interior. We are trying to raise money to refurbish it, and this will give us a great start."