A fraternity at Stanislaus State is donating their time throughout the community this weekend in hopes for donations to help feed the hungry this holiday season.

Theta Chi is asking for donations—whether that be monetary or canned goods and nonperishable food items—and in return the group will rake the leaves in your yard.

“We wanted to get more involved and felt that this would be a great way to give back to the community,” said Logan Martinez, president of Theta Chi’s Stanislaus chapter. “Especially since there are leaves all over the place this time of year.”

From around 8 a.m. to noon today and Sunday, the group is going door to door throughout the neighborhood around the college collecting canned food and raking leaves.

“We’ve done some marketing and posted flyers,” said Martinez. “So far the response has been positive and we’re hoping for a good turnout.”

This is the first year that the fraternity has done this community service event, and although they don’t know what outcome to expect, Martinez said that the group wants to make a difference in the community and is willing to do what it takes.

“It’s perfect timing for us to devote our weekend to this kind of work,” he said. “We’ve just finished up classes and finals so now we can put our time towards this good cause.”

Martinez said that the money and food donated will be given to the Turlock Gospel Mission as they aim to help men, women and children with food, shelter and love.

“Community service is important because it brings people together to work towards a common goal and opens our eyes to our blessings that many take for granted,” said Martinez.

To request Theta Chi come to your house for donations, contact Martinez at 681-7408.