The Virginia Informer
The Virginia Informer
College, students, and community rally behind victims of Hurricane Katrina
By Sara Peterson & Shariff Tanious, Staff Writers
During the past few weeks, all components of the College Community - the college faculty and staff, sports teams, Greek organizations, campus ministries, and individuals - have joined forces to raise money and support for the victims of Hurrican Katrina. Because the devastating storm and its ensuing floods hit the Gulf Coast states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana so harshly, it would be hard to miss this campus-wide relief effor. As Junior class Senator Greg Teich stated, "The College has really shown how sommitted it is to helping those who so desperately need assistance."
A group named "Project Relief"has been formed, as their website states, "in an effort to avoid duplicating efforts [and] unintentionally competing against one another for funds, and because we believe that the power of everyone working together will produce bigger results than many individuals working alone." This organization was formed through the Office of Student Volunteer Services (OSVS) and is primarily being led by six students, overseen by Sam Sadler and Lauren Grainger.
The website, http://www.wm.edu/projectrelief, has been providing the College community with updates concerning Project Relief events and progress. To date, the coordinated efforts of students, staff, and faculty have raised nearly $20,000, which will be donated directly to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Project Relief also organized T-shirt sales for hurricane relief and set up donation tables in the Campus Center and University Center lobbies, manned by individuals and members of various campus organizations. During the first home football game on September 24, Project Relief led fans in collecting spare change for the relief effort.
The College itself has agreed to take in 6 undergraduate students and 5 law students from affected schools, such as LSU, Loyola, and Tulane.
Many campus groups have raised funds for the relief effort through various events. On September 17, Mortarboard held the “Save New Orleans” dance party and the Tribe Swimming and Diving team coordinated “Tribe Waves to Save,” both of which raised large amounts of money for the effort. The International Justice Mission worked with campus dining services to organize a day of fasting, in which dining services donated approximately $2 per missed meal per student on September 21. On October 1, GreekFest, which is open to all Greeks, will be accepting an optional $10 donation, which will go toward Project Relief.
Many campus groups have raised funds for the relief effort through various events. On September 17, Mortarboard held the “Save New Orleans” dance party and the Tribe Swimming and Diving team coordinated “Tribe Waves to Save,” both of which raised large amounts of money for the effort. The International Justice Mission worked with campus dining services to organize a day of fasting, in which dining services donated approximately $2 per missed meal per student on September 21. On October 1, GreekFest, which is open to all Greeks, will be accepting an optional $10 donation, which will go toward Project Relief.
Additionally, local vendors such as Sno-to-Go, College Delly, Busch Gardens, and Cold Stone Creamery have joined with the college community in donating portions of their proceeds from College events to Project Relief.
The first phase of Project Relief, the fundraising phase, will continue through October 22. This stage will be followed by one of collection and one of hands-on service.
Currently, Project Relief has two trips planned during the fall break. The first is to Goldsboro, North Carolina, to assemble supplies to be sent to the affected states, and is being coordinated through the OSVS. The second is through Campus Crusade for Christ, and students will be traveling to Slidell, Louisiana, to distribute supplies and to work with local churches to rebuild the area.
Keep on the lookout for more opportunities to join with other members of this strong community in continued support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
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