Becky Scull spent her Sunday writing letters to the overseas troops because she wanted to tell the soldiers how "sexy and brave" she thinks they are.

"I feel like I'm actually doing something," Scull (junior-public relations) said. "We're making Sudokus for them to do and writing jokes to make them laugh. They probably get so many thank-you's but these letters will let them know we appreciate them and keep them entertained at the same time."

Scull was part of Sunday's Homecoming Day of Service for her sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma and to give back to the community.

The Homecoming Day of Service was a way for students to participate in projects around the community and on campus to give back to the organizations that support Penn State, said Donavan Hunt, homecoming public relations overall chairwoman.

Students could participate in one of seven different activities, including preparing packages for the State College Food Bank and cleaning Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon mats.

One activity involved the Best Buddies club, whose members volunteer time to spend with intellectually challenged people. Best Buddies and letter writing to the troops were held on campus in HUB Alumni Hall. Morgan Russo, president of Best Buddies at Penn State, said the "intellectually challenged" members of the organization have been enjoying themselves.

"They're tie-dying T-shirts outside and making friendship bracelets and picture frames inside," Russo said. "This is the first time Best Buddies has paired up with homecoming, and I think the day of service is a great way for students and our organization to get involved."

This is the first year the day of service has been optional to students, Hunt said.

In the past, representatives from each organization were required to participate if they were partaking in Homecoming.

"Our goal was to see 200 people register for this event," she said. "We had just over 300 people register, and it's great because everyone who participated really wanted to be there."

Though the event was voluntary this year, 15 spirit points were awarded to each person's organization as an incentive, said Claire Buechel, homecoming competition overall chairwoman.

"Spirit points are awarded to organizations who participate in events that support homecoming," Buechel said. "But for the day of service each organization could only receive a maximum of 150 spirit points in order to make it fair for each organization."

Molly Klayman, associate vice president for greek week and homecoming, said one of her goals for this event was for homecoming to be recognized as an event that gives back to the community.

"We hope this event interests the volunteers so much that they continue to give back to these sites throughout the year," Klayman said.