Penn State is joining a week-long fundraising and school spirit event alongside other Big Ten schools, the university recently announced in a release.

The event, titled “One Big Week,” kicked off at midnight on September 12 and will stretch until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, September 18. Throughout the week, Penn State alumni, friends, and students can make donations to University Park’s Student Care & Advocacy Student Emergency Fund or emergency funds at any respective branch campus.

These funds are collected to help students at Penn State when in financial distress to stay afloat and be able to remain in school. For example, basic needs like groceries, home utilities, and course materials are common expenses for students helped by these funds.

One Big Week aims to replenish these funds that keep Penn State accessible, which had been depleted throughout the 2020-21 school year.

“Since March 2020, more than $1 million has been awarded through the Student Care & Advocacy Student Emergency Fund, reaching over 1,400 Penn Staters across the commonwealth,” Anna Barone, director of student care and advocacy at Penn State said. “We were able to provide this level of aid thanks to the generosity of Penn State alumni and friends, and as we work to replenish the fund that is now nearly depleted, I’m grateful for the opportunity that One Big Week will give our community to join together again to help more students.”

More information about One Big Week can be found here.