“There’s no such thing as a free lunch” – or so the saying goes.

But this week, University students can receive a free lunch, soft drinks, trash pick-up service and even attend a free concert, compliments of Free Week.

“Free Week is an outreach to share the message of grace with different events throughout the week, like giving out free things, to spark a spiritual interest,” said Christie Lehren, a senior from Centerville, Ohio and the event’s coordinator.

Members agreed with Lehren, and said they felt it was their duty to promote God’s grace to the University community.

“God’s grace is the best thing that’s happened to us, and (participants in Free Week) wouldn’t be serving our fellow students if we didn’t share that message so that other students could benefit as well,” said Thomas Tyner, a sophomore from Suwanee.

The majority of Christian campus ministries, in addition to Campus Life, are involved in the event, said Lehren, who planned the event after hearing of its success at North Carolina State University.

The event began Monday, as students gave away freeze pops and cokes outside of various locations on campus, including the Main Library, Tate Center, Russell Hall and East Campus and will continue today as participants take out the trash at dorms, apartments and Greek houses.

Wednesday students will be collecting trays until midnight at the dining halls. Thursday, more than 5,000 Chick-fil-A sandwiches, coupons and other free snacks will be handed out. Friday there will be a free concert and carnival with moonwalk and prizes such as autographed paraphernalia and tickets will be given away at Myers Quad at 6 p.m.

Every day this week, there will be a table at Tate Plaza where students can ask for prayer from any of the Free Week participants.

“God’s grace is free, and there is nothing you can do to earn it,” Lehren said regarding the week’s theme.

“We want to express that to students through tangible things that are free.”

Christopher Render, a junior from Morrow, said he is excited about the week’s activities, especially Wednesday’s tray pick-up at the dining halls and Thursday’s Chick-fil-A giveaway.

“All college students love free food,” Render said. “I definitely think that’s where we’ll get the best response.”

Though this is the first year the University has participated in Free Week, Lehren said she hopes it will become an annual event.