Sober rides: Lambda Chi raises cash for food pantry

The brothers of Lambda Chi are trying to make Vermillion a safer place to drive on the weekends by offering sober rides in return for a monetary donation.

Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., the fraternity offers sober rides to anyone, to and from anywhere within Vermillion city limits for $3.

Sophomore Steven Afryo was the first sober driver when the program began about a month ago.

“People were still wondering if it was real,” he said. “When we told them it was for charity they were more gracious with their donations, like, they would donate $5 instead of $3.”

The group also provides sober rides on special holidays, like Dakota Days, which was “kind of hectic,” according to Afryo.

All of the money raised goes to the North American Food Drive, a nonprofit that donates food to those in need. Thanks to Lambda Chi’s contributions, they have been able to raise about 7,000 pounds of food.

“It’s the philanthropy we’ve always done, and this year this is how we’re raising money,” first-year Nicholas Bratvold said.

The experience has been smooth so far, Bratvold said, and each brother only has to drive once during a semester.

“We haven’t had any belligerent people or anything like that,” he said. ”I think people are just thankful that they can get a safe ride home.”

Senior Michael Wilbur is one of the many students who have taken advantage of a safe ride across town.

“I think that it is a great service done for the city of Vermillion,” he said. “It keeps people safe from driving when they shouldn’t.”

Those interested in using the service can call 605-655-4911 during their hours of operation.