Hailey
Red Rocks For Winter: Community service becomes powerful when young people work together to protect important places. This year, the members of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity from the Kansas Epsilon chapter showed that spirit once again.
Their annual effort to clean the historic Red Rocks home in Emporia brought students together to help prepare the site for the winter season. With teamwork, discipline, and a strong desire to support the community, the group completed most of the work despite weather challenges.
Red Rocks is one of Emporia’s most well-known landmarks. It was once the home of William Allen White, a famous American newspaperman and political figure. Every year, the fraternity takes up the responsibility of cleaning the area before winter arrives.
This yearly activity is called “Raking Red Rocks,” and it has become an important part of the fraternity’s service tradition. The goal is to clear leaves, improve the surroundings, and protect the property so that visitors can enjoy the site safely and comfortably.
What Is the Raking Red Rocks Initiative?
Red Rocks For Winter: Raking Red Rocks is a fall cleanup project that the fraternity has been doing for many years. The members gather during late November to help maintain the historic property.
This includes raking leaves, clearing pathways, removing fallen branches, and making sure the grounds are neat before cold weather sets in. The project also teaches teamwork, leadership, and the importance of giving back to the community.
Weather Challenges and Volunteer Commitment
The cleanup usually starts on a Friday, but this year rain forced the cancellation of the first planned session. Instead of stepping back, the fraternity members decided to continue the next day.
They returned on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and worked until 11:30 a.m. Even though the ground was wet and conditions were not ideal, the group stayed focused and motivated.
Their effort shows the strong commitment the chapter has toward community service. The rainy start did not stop them; in fact, it made the group more determined to finish their task.
Volunteers and Work Completed
Red Rocks For Winter: A total of 13 fraternity brothers and two chapter sweethearts volunteered on Saturday. Together, they completed about 70 percent of the project.
The remaining work was finished the following day by more volunteers on Sunday. The entire service effort took place from November 21 to November 23.
Cleanup Summary
Red Rocks For Winter: Below is a simple table showing the main details of the cleanup effort:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Volunteers | 15 (13 brothers + 2 sweethearts) |
| Work Completed on Saturday | Around 70% |
| Remaining Work | Done on Sunday |
| Project Dates | November 21–23 |
Why This Service Matters
Red Rocks is more than just a building. It represents a piece of Kansas history and the life of William Allen White, who influenced journalism and national politics. Keeping the site maintained is important so that future generations can learn from and enjoy it.
By cleaning the grounds each year, the fraternity helps preserve this important landmark. Their work also shows young people the value of responsibility and community pride. Acts of service like this play an important role in keeping local history alive.
The members of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity once again showed what teamwork and community spirit can achieve. Despite rain and difficult weather, the volunteers worked hard to prepare Red Rocks for winter.
Their efforts helped protect an important historic landmark and supported the Emporia community in a meaningful way. Projects like these remind us that caring for our shared spaces is something everyone can take part in, and small actions can create a big impact over time.