Bulletin boards across campus have recently been overtaken by flyers advertising donation drives and charity events held by various organizations throughout the university.,”The spirit of giving is alive throughout Marquette this holiday season, as students and faculty members come together to celebrate the Christmas spirit by giving back to those in need.

Bulletin boards across campus have recently been overtaken by fliers advertising donation drives and charity events held by various organizations throughout the university.

One of these events is the annual holiday clothing drive held by Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. Hannah Barnet, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences and president of the honor society, said all the donated clothing collected goes to Casa Maria, a local nonprofit organization that offers food and clothing to homeless families.

Barnet said although it is important to give back to the community throughout the entire year, this time of year is especially imperative for remembering those in need.

"We live in the Milwaukee community, and this clothing drive is one of the ways we can give back," she said. "This is a time of the year when people are really in need of warm clothing."

According to Barnet, the clothing drive will continue until Wednesday, and boxes for donations can be found in Lalumiere Hall until then.

One of the more non-traditional approaches to a holiday charity drive is Bring Home Jesus, a 24-hour live nativity scene aimed at raising money to support StandUp for Kids, a runaway shelter for children of Milwaukee, according to D.J. Quam, a sophomore in the College of Engineering and one of the organizers of the event.

The nativity scene took place from 10 p.m. Monday to 10 p.m. Tuesday in front of Raynor Library and was supported by volunteers throughout the Marquette community. Quam said the organizers had a monetary goal of raising $3,000 through the event, but also had a personal goal of filling six volunteer slots for 24 hours, which was quickly accomplished.

"I think it really speaks volumes about our student body and how ambitious and excited we are to do something for our community," he said. "People are genuinely excited about the holiday season, and this is one way that students can participate and take part in what it's all about."

Meghan Swiderski, a senior in the College of Health Sciences and another organizer of the event, said Bring Home Jesus began last year as only a 12-hour event, but based on the reaction, this year the organizers decided to extend it to an entire 24 hours.

Swiderski said although Bring Home Jesus centers around Christmas tradition, it is principally about raising money for the children, regardless of religious background.

"Bring Home Jesus is an incorporation of Marquette's values and mission, but it's not just about being Catholic or believing in Christ," she said. "It's about the children.our biggest concern is just to give these children the hope of having a merry Christmas."

Although this is only the second year for Bring Home Jesus, based on the enthusiasm the students and community have shown, Quam said he believes the event has firmly cemented its place as a Marquette tradition and will continue for years to come.

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