Red shirts are a typical sight at N.C. State.

But the week of Feb. 20, the abundance of red T-shirts consisted of more than ordinary college wear, especially when donned by Campus Crusade for Christ volunteers for five days in a row.

Upon closer inspection, the words, “It’s Free” and a definition of “grace” made these red shirts unique.

Campus Crusade, in conjunction with Providence Baptist Church, held its very first campus-wide student-led movement to spread the Christian message that God’s love is free.

Rachel Babson along with co-organizer of this event, Josh Allen, a sophomore in biological engineering, explained the movement’s objective by drawing a parallel between the free materialistic gifts given to students and God’s eternal gift of salvation.

“The purpose of free things for all students is to represent God’s grace, which is free,” Babson said.

“It’s Free Week,” held Feb. 20-24, was a week filled with free acts of service and free items. The idea for this movement originated with a Campus Crusade of a different location.

Approximately 350 volunteers took out residents’ trash Monday; Tuesday, free quarters for laundry were distributed; prayer requests were taken on Wednesday; Thursday included a raffle for a free iPod donated by Tenplus Systems; and Friday concluded with free hot chocolate in the Brickyard.

Seth Wachtel, a sophomore in business management, believes this movement was a good way to show actions speak louder than words.

“We show people love first and back up our words with actions so people know we are for real,” Wachtel said.

This event was an opportunity for people to receive gifts, an opportunity for Campus Crusade to become known on campus and, according to Babson, an opportunity for people to learn more about what Christianity is, not what everyone thinks it is.

For Allen, it was an opportunity to meet new people.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to just learn about people,” Allen said.

According to Campus Crusade members, efforts were made to present religion in a non-threatening manner that was open to questions and discussion.

“There were a few people who didn’t like the whole idea, but you’re always going to have people who oppose it; overall it went really well,” Elizabeth Ramsey, a junior in communication, said.

“I understand and appreciate the idea that salvation is free but this movement felt like an ad campaign, not a personal relationship between you and God. You shouldn’t have to give people things to make them realize there is a benefit in being spiritual — the end result should speak for itself,” Beau Winslow, a sophomore in arts application and French, said. “Jesus didn’t die so I could get a free iPod.”

Elizabeth Ramsey said an iPod can not compare to God’s gift of salvation.

“We wanted to show people that an iPod is a great gift but nothing compared to Jesus and salvation eternally — the greatest gift anyone can receive,” Ramsey said.

“[God’s salvation] has changed my life and added so much joy and happiness which I want others to experience,” Allen said.