For years, the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon has proudly touted its motto: It's all "For the kids." But is that truly where the intentions of competing organizations lie?

Sigma Alpha Epsilon recently imposed a fee for members who do not participate in Thon canning trips. If members choose to stay warm in their fraternity house instead of holding a Thon collection can on a chilly street corner, they will have to pay. For each missed trip, a fine of $30 is placed on the member who opts not to participate, with the money contributing to Thon collection funds in order to compensate for the missed canning time.

Members of the fraternity have not publicly opposed the new fine system. In fact, they have called the threat an incentive to go out and collect -- a little more of a push to do charity work. But shouldn't the incentive be completely and whole-heartedly for the cause itself, which is donating time, effort and money to pediatric cancer? Canning, door-to-door sales and an overall commitment to the cause should come out of kindness and compassion, not the fear of an empty wallet.

The meaning of volunteering is lost when it becomes mandatory. Despite the fact that greek organizations raise tons of money for Thon, actions like required payment for missed canning trips show their intentions may be misplaced.

Perhaps the tendency of Thon to focus on greek organizations as its largest source of volunteers and monetary donations is the problem. With the philanthropy of Thon tainted by procedures like mandatory canning trips and subsequent fees, it seems some of the meaning has been lost.

There are independent dancers and new clubs who take it upon themselves to raise the qualifying amount of money, only to next enter the battle for a coveted lottery draw. Even though these students put the time in -- on their own account, not because an organization requires it -- they are still often denied the right to dance.

Thon only gives 50 out of 700 empty places to independent dancers and new clubs, while the rest go to those students involved with organizations -- organizations that sometimes rely heavily on corporate sponsors rather than old-fashioned sidewalk or door-to-door soliciting.

It all boils down to who deserves it more. Is it better to raise the money, to be competitive and to try and top the $3.5 million of years past? Organizations need to reevaluate their value systems. The money is a huge factor, but Thon shouldn't be cheapened by organizations that view it as a competition. Bottom line: Donating, whether time or money, should be done for the right reasons -- not as a requirement, but for the kids.