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KALAMAZOO--Members of Western Michigan University's Alpha Tau Omega fraternity will camp out for 48 consecutive hours Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 27-29, to raise funds for Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The campout will take place at the Campus Flagpoles, located between Kanley Chapel and the Lee Honors College, from noon Monday to noon Wednesday. The community is invited to visit the campers, learn more about Habitat for Humanity and make a donation. Last year, ATO raised $3,500 for Habitat and this year the goal is to raise more.

"Our Campus Campout is designed to remind students on campus that while we are the privileged few who can attend college, not everyone is as lucky as we are. We sit outside day and night in the middle of campus for a few days no matter the conditions, to get that point across" says Michael Evans, ATO vice president.

51¸£ÀûÉç's ATO chapter started the Campus Campout in 2003 as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, which builds or rehabilitates eight homes each year in Kalamazoo County.

"In years past, we've been able to get a good amount of support from local businesses and our friends and families," Evans says. "This year, we're striving for the same support from them, as well as more from our student body 51¸£ÀûÉç so that we can truly have a huge impact on our community. It's a great opportunity to show our student body that Greeks 51¸£ÀûÉç have a big philanthropic impact on Kalamazoo."

How to donate

Donations can be dropped off with the students during the campout. They also can be made on behalf of ATO by credit card online at (enter ATO or Campout in the appropriate box) or by check made payable to Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity (enter ATO in the memo space) and mailed to:

Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity
525 E. Kalamazoo Ave.
Kalamazoo MI 49007

How to get involved

Visit GoRSO to learn more about the . For more information about how to buy or help build a Habitat for Humanity home, visit or contact the Habitat office at (269) 344-2443.