As spring continues to taunt everyone with its warm temperature, brightly-colored nature and intoxicating sun rays, it also brings the Greek world together for the prime time to give back. It’s that time of year when sororities and fraternities are keeping busy with organizing and promoting their respective philanthropy events.

This week, for example, Sigma Alpha, is holding its first jeans drive. Jeans and denim material will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, said the sorority’s philanthropy chair, Amanda Kazmierczak, senior in ACES. The jeans will be turned into insulation for houses that are being built.

Kazmierczak said she got the idea to get involved in high school, but this is the first time Sigma Alpha has done it on campus. The girls are collecting donations this week on the quad and various spots around campus.

In addition, the ladies of Alpha Xi Delta are hosting their annual barbecue at their house Wednesday, April 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. for their charity, Autism Speaks, in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

“It affects about one in 110 children in the country and is the fastest-growing development disorder,” said Alpha Xi Delta’s philanthropy chair Beth Dixon, sophomore in DGS. “We’re really passionate about our philanthropy.”

Also this weekend is Alpha Tau Omega Recess, where Alpha Tau Omega will host a three-day series of tournaments. Friday is a sand volleyball tournament, Saturday is a three-on-three soccer tournament and Sunday is a flag football tournament. Sororities are participating in the tournaments, which will take place in Frat Park. They encourage the public to attend and watch.

Alpha Tau Omega’s event will wrap up with their annual blood drive on April 13, one of the largest blood drives in the state. They strongly encourage students to donate. All proceeds go to the Chicago and Northwest Indiana McDonald House Charities.

“Service is something I think everyone should do,” said Alpha Tau Omega’s philanthropy chair Kyle Gaughan, sophomore in LAS. “We are fortunate to attend a university like this. Giving back is the least we can do.”

It’s no secret that Greeks and philanthropy go hand in hand, but students involved even go above and beyond what’s expected of them.

“We often participate in other philanthropy events such as Kappa Delta’s dodge ball tournament and Delta Delta Delta’s Greeks at Bat. There are some people in our house that do service around the committee,” Gaughan said. “For example, I volunteer at Champaign-Urbana Recreation. I am paired up with a resident who wants to participate in a 5K race, and I practice with him and run the race with him.”

Nearly all sororities and fraternities are hosting or participating in philanthropy events this spring; it’s the perfect opportunity for everyone to let the spring fever subside for a little bit and give back.

Some other events coming up include Delta Zeta’s Turtle Tug aiding children with chronic illness, Fiji Phi Jamma Delta Keep on Keeping On charity, Alpha Omicron Pi’s Putt Out Diabetes, and Alpha Chi Omega’s Collection Drive collecting gently used phones and equipment for Verizon’s HopeLine.