A handful of students have wasted no time responding to the challenges of Hurricane Sandy: Several students have formed a relief committee and joined forces with students in the new Red Cross Club to organize fundraising events to benefit storm victims.

Red Cross Club collecting for Sandy storm victims

From left: Red Cross Club members Nicole Richard, Emily Evans, Elizabeth Richard, and Leah Blackburn accept a donation from President Michael Driscoll.

Students Rachael Warmington and Emily Matens formed the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Efforts committee with students Emily Evans and Elizabeth Richard, who also cofounded the Red Cross Club.

Events began on Monday, November 5, at the Six O'Clock Series program, at which Red Cross Club members collected donations and raised awareness about the need for volunteers for relief efforts.

The club and committee are jointly organizing more events this week:

  • Thursday, November 8: "Beach Day" in the Oak Grove. Volunteers will give out sunglasses, hot chocolate, and cookies while collecting donations from fellow students. They'll also be selling orders for promotional t-shirts.
  • Friday, November 9: "Board-Hawk," 3:30-6:30 p.m., HUB Ohio Room. For a donation at the door, people receive tickets to play games and win prizes at this carnival for the cause.

“Many students have connections to the eastern shore in one way or another, so this is a great opportunity for them to help,” said Elizabeth Richard, president of the Red Cross Club.

The Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Efforts committee and Red Cross Club will present the proceeds from this week's events to the American Red Cross Indiana Chapter, South Jersey Regional Office, and Jersey Coast Chapter. They hope to continue their efforts into the spring.

For more information, contact Richard at jfns@iup.edu or (724) 601-9665.