There's more to MSU's greek community than wild parties and tailgating before football games.

Each semester, the Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils and individual chapters of each group sponsor events around the East Lansing community to raise money for local charities.

"I certainly think social life is an important aspect of college and the greek community," IFC President Paul Hage said. "But service is also an extremely important part of the greek community."

The international relations senior said he thinks a lot of people in the community are aware of the events greeks put on each semester.

Events such as Safe Halloween, in the fall and Greek Week in the spring, attract large crowds and raise money for groups such as the United Way and Special Olympics.

Individual IFC and Panhellenic chapters do independent service projects each semester as well.

"Each chapter does certain events throughout the year," said Angela Corsi, Panhellenic Council Vice President for External Operations. "Some chapters go above and beyond those events and do something extra. Each member of the greek community is dedicated to community service."

The communication junior said the preconceived notions some people have of the greek community are false. She also said she became frustrated because of the image she knew some people had of the greek community.

"I think it's important for greeks to get out and erase those stereotypes," Corsi said. "Our community stands for much more than what some people believe."

Some of the bigger events sponsored by individual chapters include Brothers Feeding Others, a food drive put on by Lambda Chi Alpha. Members of the fraternity gather canned goods to donate to local charities.

The IFC and Panhellenic councils also participate in Spartan Buddies, a mentoring program with the Meridian Township Police Department.

"These events provide greeks with an opportunity to give back to a community that has given to them," Hage said. "It's nice to give back to the community and try and make it a better place."

Amit Mehta, IFC vice president for external affairs, said he believes their efforts will continue to be successful.

"The amount of people we get at some of our events is amazing," the finance junior said. "Our events have the potential to just grow and become bigger and bigger every year."