Novak says that although he's expecting a "major publicity blitz" from the Student Gift Fund in the coming weeks, he hopes that students will take the time to learn about ASG's efforts.

Some, like Sinead B. Walsh '00, have already learned of ASG through word of mouth and e-mail messages.

Walsh, who said she likes the idea that ASG will send her donation to a charity of her choice, plans to give money either to UNICEF or to a grass-roots AIDS project.

"The best thing [about ASG] is that it does not prevent anyone from donating to Senior Gift, but it gives students options," Walsh said.

Walsh will not be giving to the Senior Gift, she said, because even though part of her donation may go towards worthy causes like financial aid and scholarships, she believes that Student Gift volunteers spend significant amounts of money on marketing.

"It's quite an extravagant process," Walsh said, citing dinners and parties that the Senior Gift has sponsored. "That does make you think that not all of the money is going where you want it to go."

ASG is not an official student organization, since its application to become a campus organization was denied earlier this year. It has had to request postering rights from the Radcliffe Union of Students.