UMaine fraternity hosts 5th annual Christmas philanthropy event

December 9, 2015 Outreach, Student Life

The University of Maine’s fraternity Alpha Tau Omega is hosting its 5th annual Blue and Gold Christmas, a competition-based philanthropy event that collects toys, clothing items, books, nonperishable food and monetary donations for Crossroads Ministries, a resource center in Old Town, Maine that assists low-income families facing food insecurity and homelessness.

“We wanted to make an impact in our community and we thought Crossroads was the perfect way to give back to the greater Bangor Area,” Michael Schuman, fourth-year journalism student and president of ATO, says.

Organizations on campus pair up to form teams and are given a Christmas tree and a present box that is set up in the Memorial Union. Teams are rewarded points for the most donations and how well they decorate their trees. This year, there are 13 teams made up of Greek and non-Greek campus groups, with each team being made up of two to four campus organizations.

The trees, which will be on display in the Memorial Union from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, will be judged by Robert Dana, vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

“By bringing all of our donated goods to Crossroads, they can assist the citizens of the Bangor area in many different ways. In terms of the UMaine community, it (the event) fosters a culture of service to others and giving. Plus the trees really make the union look festive for finals week.”

The top three teams who have the best decorated trees will receive extra points for the competition. The first place winner will receive a 20 percent boost to their score competition, second will receive 15 percent, third will receive 10 percent and the winner of the public voting will receive 5 percent.

Last year, the fraternity donated over 1,300 items and over $300 to Crossroads Ministries.

“We try to make the most positive impact on the community as much as possible through service and leadership. This event is one of our favorite events and we hope to make it bigger and bigger every year,” says Schuman.