Standing at the bridge to the north of Wells Hall, anthropology senior Jason Munford drew quite a few odd looks from students walking to class.

"A lot of people don't like us, but nobody likes cancer," he yelled, holding his "Hug, debate or berate an atheist" sign up for all to see.

Munford and other members of the MSU Freethinker Alliance were giving up their time to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

"Atheists in general tend to treat spirituality as something they have nothing to do with," Munford said. "I know a lot of atheists who won't come to our group. They see it as like having a club for people who don't believe in leprechauns."

But many members of the alliance view the group as a social and ethical alternative to what a church community might provide spiritual people - a meeting place to come together to be social and do good for others.

That's why the group is contributing their proceeds from Hug, Debate or Berate an Atheist Day to what is universally considered a good cause - the fight against cancer.

"You don't need to believe in a higher power to help other people," alliance member and psychology senior Susan Wise said. "Cancer affects everyone. It's important for me to be here; my brother battles the disease."

The group chooses not to have a traditional president, but there are officers who lead about 20 regular members in events and discussions. They meet at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Union's Illinois room for roundtable discussions of current issues and ongoing debates, basic presentations and more.

"Just because you don't have a belief in God or religion doesn't mean you don't hold a belief in ethics," mechanical engineering graduate student Sean Davis said. "Spirituality doesn't necessarily have to mean the supernatural.

"There's a lot that goes on in everyday life where you can find meaning."