The University of Iowa Colleges Against Cancer will host an event on the Pentacrest today from 11 a.m. to 1p.m..

The group will encourage young smokers to quit and educate them on the dangers of lighting up. Free caffeinated beverages will be passed out at the organization’s booth in return for lighters and cigarettes.

In addition to incentives to put out the butts, informational packets and fliers will be handed out on the Pentacrest.

According to a release, today’s event accompanies a nationwide event, the 35th Great American Smoke Out, hosted by the American Cancer Society.

"We want to be there and support those people in our community who want to quit smoking," said Caitlin Fry, the publicity chairwoman for the UI Colleges Against Cancer chapter, in the release.

Colleges Against Cancer is a student volunteer organization that helps promote American Cancer Society events.

— by Nicole Karlis