This weekend, visitors at the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon will get the opportunity to help orphaned children in the Dominican Republic as well as children with cancer.

In addition to Thon's goal of raising money for children with cancer, the Multicultural Greek Council will be sponsoring a clothing drive to benefit the orphaned children.

"We want to encourage students to tell people at home who are coming to Thon to do some spring cleaning, and bring their old, unwanted clothing," said Miki Poy (sophomore-sociology).

A table will be set up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday near Rec Hall's main information desk to collect adult clothing, shoes, hats, backpacks and bed sheets.

Poy, who will be dancing in Thon for No Refund Theatre, got the idea for the clothing drive after volunteering at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic for two weeks last summer.

"As soon as I got off the bus, one kid gave me a hug and kiss right away. For their condition, they're really no different than kids here," she said.

Maria Schmidt, director of Multicultural Student Services in the College of Education, encourages students like Poy to take part in volunteer and service opportunities.

"Sometimes we go through life taking things for granted and participating in a program like this gives a new perspective and outlook on life," Schmidt said.

A team of 17 volunteers from Orphanage Outreach, including Poy, taught reading, English and math worked to 18 boys in an orphanage in the town of Esperanza. Many of the boys were not orphans, but were abandoned by their families because of poverty and behavioral problems, she said.

"One boy had eight brothers and sisters and he was the oldest. It was easier for him to spend time at the orphanage than at home," she said.

The children live in an environment that would be difficult for most Penn State students to comprehend because sanitation is poor, healthcare is worse and poverty is a way of life, Poy said.

"For someone who's used to living (in the United States), it's a real shock," she said.

The orphanage provided refuge for otherwise abandoned children, she said. "The kids weren't given very good care except when the volunteers came."

Since returning to Penn State, Poy has continued to work for the children in the Domincan Republic. As the first representative from the university to volunteer in the program, she now encourages others to take part in it, she said.

This spring break, at least 18 students from Penn State Altoona and several others from University Park are expected to go to the Dominican Republic, she said.

These students will deliver the donations collected at Thon when they arrive at the orphanage, she said.

Rachel Varra (senior-Spanish) will be among the students helping out. Helping others is something she does to better herself, she said.

"I think it's important for everyone . . . to find something that they want to do, and love to do, and then do it," she said.

Those interested in making additional donations at any time can visit the orphanage online at www.orphanage-outreach.org.