What do a giraffe, train and lions have in common? They were all shouted out as favorite attractions for more than 120 elementary students from Greene County and Paton-Churdan schools who were guests recently of Jefferson’s Beta Tau Delta sorority at the Blank Park Zoo.
The sorority, through community donations, paid for school bus transportation and all the day’s activities at the zoo, including educational sessions; feeding giraffes, llamas, goats, and koi; a train tour of the zoo; lunch and souvenirs.
Students, teachers and chaperons all got to ride the train. 
The trip included lunch for students and goats, too!
The sorority, known as children’s champions in the county, started the annual day at the zoo for elementary school children in the county a decade ago when school budgets declined to the point that experiential field trips had to be canceled. Carole Custer, sorority member and organizer of the trip, said “Teachers tell us that some students do not have the financial ability to either attend or experience the zoo to the extent that our day offers them. We get many thank you letters from students, teachers and parents.”
The sorority’s annual fall fundraising campaign is currently underway. Anyone wishing to donate to Beta Tau Delta for its many children’s projects can send contributions to campaign chair, Alana Curnyn, 411 East Wilcox Way, Jefferson, IA 50129.
