MU fraternity members carol to collect clothes for charity for Christmas

COLUMBIA — An MU fraternity put its own spin on holiday giving this season by caroling for clothes.

The day before the caroling, Alpha Phi Omega members passed out fliers in Columbia’s Highlands neighborhood to preview their "Caroling for Clothes" campaign.

In two hours Dec. 11, they collected 280 pounds of clothing.

“We are giving Goodwill all of it,” said Brian Schelich, an MU student and member of the fraternity.

“Neighborhood caroling is so rare these days,” he said. “We had to actually warn homeowners before adventuring in on their terrain.”

Eighteen carolers went door-to-door singing Christmas tunes, while Daniel Burke-Aguero, vice president of the chapter, accompanied them on his guitar. 

“Everyone was so generous,” Burke-Aguero said.

Alpha Phi Omega is a national fraternity founded on the principles of leadership, community service and friendship.

“This is not your typical social fraternity; we are co-ed and do not have a house,” Burke-Aguero said. “Fifteen hours of community service every semester is required to be a member, and we do service events every weekend.”

On Halloween, for example, Alpha Phi Omega did a ‘Trick or Treat for Canned Goods" campaign.

“We will definitely be continuing these particular community services in the future,” Burke-Aguero said. “Everyone had a lot of fun while supporting a wonderful cause, and what more is needed during the holiday season?”