Competition For A Cause, a fundraiser focused on collecting non-perishable items kicked off Oct. 22 and will last until Nov 16. Central Connecticut clubs compete by donating products in an effort to support families for the upcoming holiday season.

Student Government Association Student Life Committee runs the fundraiser.

“This is something we continue to do [fundraising] it’s a tradition that has been passed down,” Jamie Carbone, chair of student life said.

In an initiative to get clubs to donate and help support families, there are club budget incentives for the competition. The club that comes in first place will receive $300 that will be deposited into their SG account. Second place will receive $200 and third place will receive $100, according to an email sent out by the SGA.

If you are not part of a club, do not be shy to donate. The fundraising event does not stop anyone from donating.

“It is more advertised towards clubs but anyone can donate and we encourage faculty to as well. In the past, we have done faculty against students as kind of like a pride thing I guess. We want everyone to try and donate as much as they can,” Carbone said.

Clubs can bring the items they would like to donate to the SGA office located on the second floor of the student center where a senator will count the products.

“Clubs specifically should be donating to the SGA, but [for other people] there are boxes in the library and other buildings around campus for people to drop donations,” Carbone said.

If people want to save time, donations can be made to Maria’s Place, Central’s Community Pantry on the last day.

Maria’s Pace offers free service for all current Central students, faculty and staff who are in need of food assistance. Maria’s Place is located in the Vance Academic Center.

No matter how many products are donated, Carbone said any contribution is helpful.

“Especially around this time of year, it’s to promote giving. It’s great that we have Maria’s Place on campus. All of the proceeds this year are going to a lot of things on campus and you’re not only going to be encouraging a positive environment and giving to those in need, but you’ll also be giving to students on campus who are in need around this time,” Carbone said.

Agreeing with Carbone, Vice President of the Student Life Committee, Kristina Rodrigues, stated: “All proceeds go to Maria’s Place and that is accessible for anyone with a Central Id. Donating is just a good thing to do. For clubs, they should participate because the donations go to our campus, but it also gives them the added incentive of potentially getting funds added to their SG accounts.”

Although the fundraiser is geared towards clubs, Carbone wants the full message of the event to be heard. It is important to give and be aware of everyone around us.

“Just remember to treat others the way you want to be treated, and think about if you were someone in need,” Carbone concluded.