Orono - Classes at the University of Maine started earlier this week.

For most students, they're spending their evenings in their dorms or apartments. But one fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, has an alternative sleeping location.

"We've been camping out all week for the YouthAIDS Foundation."

YouthAIDS is an education and prevention program. It uses media, pop culture, music, theater and sports to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

"We just feel really strongly. AIDS doesn't get as much recognition and news coverage it once did. We just try to keep the awareness and prevention out there."

They've been camped out on the mall of the UMaine campus since 8 am Monday, collecting donations from folks who walk by.

"We've been getting quite a bit of money. We counted and we're over $1,000 right now, just from faculty members and kids walking by. So it's been a successful week."

The fraternity says they look forward to this fundraiser.

"It's something we like to do. This is the sixth or seventh year in a row we've done it. It's a big thing to do for philanthropy. It's something we stand for as a fraternity, to give back to the community."

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