In the midst of nationwide and university-wide fundraisers to aid those affected in Hurricane Katrina's wave of devastation, two UB students have found a unique way to show their support.
During September's tax-free week, Susan Goon and Jennifer Chen did what many New Yorkers did - they stocked up on tax-free clothing. But after posting pictures on their Xanga Web site of the hefty amounts of clothes, Goon and Chen said they began to feel guilty.
"Every time we watched the news or started talking about the damage done by Hurricane Katrina we got sad and couldn't take the pain we felt for them," said Goon, a senior communication major.
As a result, the two students turned from buying clothing to giving it away. Chen and Goon made a new post on their site: for every three comments that were posted, both would donate an article of clothing from their closets to the American Red Cross.
"While it's always fun to have nice things, we should never, ever, ever, forget about those who are less fortunate than us," said Chen, a senior nursing major.
Goon and Chen said they are pleased to say they have had 132 comments on the site, which equals out to them donating 40 articles of clothing.
Both girls have received generous phone calls, emails, and promises to contribute by other people and said they couldn't be more amazed and delighted by all the heartfelt compassion for the people affected by the hurricane.
Meanwhile, various relief efforts from the university continue to run in the Student Union and across both campuses.
"I have seen a stand in the Union every day of the week," said Robert Benjamin, a senior psychology major. "I have been approached by multiple people asking to donate. Even the Sickle Cell Auction (gave) proceeds. The only way it can be better is just more continued support from students and organizations on and off campus."
Relief fundraisers have so far included the Mardi Gras Beads and Bracelets Sale, the Skip-a-Meal program, the donations given for every UB student ID shown at the UB Bulls football home opener, and accepting cash donations at practically every campus event including the Linda Yalem Race and the Health Related Job Fair.
Students can find out more information about helping with Katrina relief at www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/wecare. On the university-run site, visitors can find out how they can help, what is being done, and learn more about the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
