Two NIU fraternities are making a difference in the lives of DeKalb children, painting classrooms and donating computers, respectively.

Sigma Lambda Beta used its connections with alumni to donate 23 computers to a local Boy Scout troop. The machines came from alumnus Osbaldo Garduno, chief financial officer for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce in Chicago, where the staff was upgrading its computer system and had planned to throw away the used computers.

Fraternity president Jesse Perez, a senior OMIS major, said the computers will be upgraded and given to the families of Boy Scouts to sharpen their educational skills.

“We owe our community contributions like these,” Perez said. “Just as our elders have opened the doors for us with unprecedented opportunities, we have to open the doors for the youth of our people as well.”

Jaime Garcia, a freshman undecided major and new fraternity member, shares those feelings.

“I am proud to have joined an organization with a strong alumni base that not only continues supporting the undergraduate chapter, but also the community,” Garcia said.

Phi Kappa Sigma, meanwhile, plans to paint classrooms Saturday at the Sycamore Childcare Center, 1415 Stonehenge Drive.

Community service chairman David Silva, a junior OMIS major, said his fraternity, better known as the Skulls, heard about the project from some friends who work at the center.

Caregiver Susan Parsons said the painting has thrilled teachers at the center, which provides care for children age 6 weeks to 5 years.

Depending on the number of people who show up for the project, Parsons expects between two and four classrooms to be painted. The non-profit center also recently received a grant for new tables and chairs, she said.

Because the center doesn’t have a maintenance crew, “we’re going to have them put the tables and chairs together, too,” Parsons said, laughing. “The teachers here aren’t that good with screwdrivers.”

This is not the Skulls’ first community service project this school year. The fraternity put an advertisement in the paper last semester offering free lawn care to area senior citizens. Silva said the ad was well received by residents who needed help raking, and he would send three or four Skulls over with every call.

Phi Kappa Sigma also is planning Greek Physique, a male and female body-building contest to benefit the Leukemia Society, at 7 p.m. March 7 at the Carl Sandburg Auditorium. Tickets will be sold for $5 in advance and $7 at the door.