Area groups lend hand to hurricane victims
Hurricane Ike affects the UA; students assist in relief
Jessica Burk
Issue date: 9/17/08 Section: News
When Hurricane Ike blew through Northwest Arkansas last weekend, it already had left behind plenty of damage along the southern coast of the U.S. As a result, UA students and other members of the community are assisting in relief efforts.
At the UA, members of the Associated Student Government are encouraging students to donate bottled water for victims of the hurricane.
"Any time our country is [in a] time of crisis or tragedy, it is important that we come together as Americans and step in to help," said Megan Francis, ASG chief of staff.
After Hurricane Gustav hit the U.S., several students expressed their interest in helping the people affected. Members of the ASG thought it was too late to organize a fundraiser for Hurricane Gustav but asked themselves what students could do to help after Ike hit the Texas coast, Francis said.
"Water is always one of the top needs when there is a natural disaster," she said.
The ASG's goal is to raise 200,000 bottles of water, and its members are challenging each resident hall to raise 100 cases and each Greek organization to raise 50 cases of water.
"We have gotten good responses from the Greek organizations [and think they will] meet or come very close to meeting their goal," Francis said.
In addition, the ASG has partnered with Starbucks Coffee on Shiloh Drive, and anyone who buys coffee there is asked if they would like to donate a bottle of water.
Students interested in donating may also drop off a case of water at the ASG office on the third floor of the Arkansas Union.
Students also may volunteer to pick up the cases of water collected by the residence halls and bring them to the ASG office.
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, a truck from Victory Church in Springdale will be picking up the water donated by students. The Victory Church is running a disaster relief program and was suggested to the ASG from the Red Cross, Francis said.
At the UA, members of the Associated Student Government are encouraging students to donate bottled water for victims of the hurricane.
"Any time our country is [in a] time of crisis or tragedy, it is important that we come together as Americans and step in to help," said Megan Francis, ASG chief of staff.
After Hurricane Gustav hit the U.S., several students expressed their interest in helping the people affected. Members of the ASG thought it was too late to organize a fundraiser for Hurricane Gustav but asked themselves what students could do to help after Ike hit the Texas coast, Francis said.
"Water is always one of the top needs when there is a natural disaster," she said.
The ASG's goal is to raise 200,000 bottles of water, and its members are challenging each resident hall to raise 100 cases and each Greek organization to raise 50 cases of water.
"We have gotten good responses from the Greek organizations [and think they will] meet or come very close to meeting their goal," Francis said.
In addition, the ASG has partnered with Starbucks Coffee on Shiloh Drive, and anyone who buys coffee there is asked if they would like to donate a bottle of water.
Students interested in donating may also drop off a case of water at the ASG office on the third floor of the Arkansas Union.
Students also may volunteer to pick up the cases of water collected by the residence halls and bring them to the ASG office.
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, a truck from Victory Church in Springdale will be picking up the water donated by students. The Victory Church is running a disaster relief program and was suggested to the ASG from the Red Cross, Francis said.
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