Mums and garters are a homecoming tradition cherished by many, but one student is hoping that students will choose to spend their money in a different way.

“I am part of this charity called Pratham USA that basically works to provide education to kids in India living in poverty,” junior Sonali Mehta said. “The idea was that for the average cost of a mum or garter the charity can provide education for four kids in India for a whole year, so I thought it would be a good way to raise money for the cause by asking people to donate to Pratham in lieu of mums or garters.”

The process for making a donation is straightforward.

“We have a table [in the commons] and I have also provided my phone number on all the fliers,” Mehta said. “All they have to do is contact me and let me know if they want to donate or what they want to do and we are going to provide them with wristbands to wear until homecoming that say ‘I don’t have a mum because I donated to Pratham’. We had a table at Leopard Friday that got a lot of attention and we had some donations there.”

For some students, giving to a charity is better than spending money on a mum.

“I’m not against mums or anything,” senior Kate Hawley said. “I like the tradition. If people want to make mums for like $20 go for it! I’ve done that, but it’s when people spend hundreds of dollars on mums that it’s ridiculous. You’re only going to wear the thing once. The money could be spend on much more useful things. I’m going to donate to Pratham, I don’t know how much yet but I’m going to use my money to help someone.”