The line between the community and NIU students is disappearing.

On Wednesday at the Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club meeting, Kiwanis members presented a check for $200 to members of Delta Chi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Mortar Board, Circle K and Evan’s Scholars.

Those organizations were presented with checks because they helped with the Kiwanis’ Haunted House during the halloween season.

City Manager and Kiwanis club member Jim Connors said those students spent 600 to 700 hours doing community service.

“They showed up every night with enthusiasm,” Connors said.

The organizations said the money was the surprise.

“I didn’t expect it,” said Matt Mossman, a Tau Kappa Epsilon member and senior accountancy major. “We just did it to help out.”

Becky Kelley, a Circle K member and junior elementary education major, said they were really grateful, and it was a lot of fun to work at the haunted house.

“The haunted house was part of a fundraiser to raise money for different organizations in the area,” Connors said.

He also said the organization usually gives money to the student groups helping with the haunted house.

“It was one of the bigger money-makers of the year,” said 1st Ward Alderman Andy Small. “It’s nothing compared to the amount of work they put in.”

Connors said this was just another way to show how the DeKalb community and the university can work together.