The greek community collected more than 1,700 articles of clothing to give to five local organizations for Greek Week.

It was the first time Greek Week Central, the organizers of Greek Week, did the clothing drive.

“We decided to do a clothing drive this year because it was another way to reach out to local non-profit organizations that are assisting others,” said Megan Ripperger, chairwoman for Greek Week community service and senior in communication studies. 

“It has actually been known that students get rid of many of their clothes at the end of the semesters, and many times this isn’t done through donations,” said Erin McHale, president of Collegiate Panhellenic Council and senior in child, adult and family services. “So being able to hit it up before the end of the semester is a great idea.”

At each sorority, a large box was placed for each pairing to fill with clothing members no longer wore. Fraternities brought donations to the sorority they were paired with for Greek Week, and the total count for items were taken at the end of last week.

The pairing with the most donations will be given money to donate to an organization of its choices.

“The pairing that won knows, but we are waiting for Vespers to announce the winner to the entire greek community,” Ripperger said.

Ripperger works along side with Charlie Cutler, senior in architecture-professional degree, to organize many community service events during Greek Week. In previous years, can drives, Polar Bear Plunge, service day, Relay for Life, blood drive and soup label donations to local schools have been events for greek students to participate in.

“Can drive was new last year, and the money donated from can drive went to organizations that will be receiving the clothing from this year,” Ripperger said. “So this year not only do we donate money and food, but they get clothing as well.”

McHale said the drive to clean out rooms combined with the community service aspect contributed to success.

“The incentive of helping out the community is helpful,” McHale said. “It helps that many chapters are getting prepared for Greek Getaway participants to attend and stay in their chapter houses, and this requires members to keep their bedrooms clean.”

“The clothing drive was an added part to community service because it’s one more way we can give back to the community,” said Kayla Hunefeld, Greek Week Central general chairwoman and senior in advertising. “It helps lower financial costs for participants because they don’t have to donate any money, just clothing they don’t wear anymore.”