Students lead $5,500 collection for hurricane relief
September 16, 2005
KOKOMO, Ind.—In a 24-hour period from September 14–15, IU Kokomo volunteers collected $5,500 for Hurricane Katrina Relief. More than 100 students, alumni, faculty, and staff members offered Mardi Gras beads to thank donors at “drive-thru” collection sites on campus. Radio stations WZWZ and WIOU promoted the marathon around the clock. Food and other support for the volunteers was provided by area businesses, including Applebee's, Papa John's, Panera Bread, Texas Roadhouse, Giesecke RV Center, Starbucks, and Pizza Hut.
Accepting the donations on behalf of the Howard/Tipton County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Toni Fox commended the “energy and spirit” of the campus community. “It was unbelievable,” Fox said. “The people who drove in to give had big smiles and good feelings from being able to support such a great cause.”
IU Kokomo freshman Richard Leclerc of Kokomo was one of the first donors. Shortly after the collection marathon started at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14, Leclerc delivered a milk jug filled with loose change he'd accumulated over six years. He said that, when he heard about the collection effort, he decided that hurricane victims “needed [the money] more than me.”
Students had announced a $5,000 goal for total donations and were half way there early on the morning of September 15 when an anonymous donor dropped off a $1,000 check. “She said she just wanted to help us reach our goal,” said student volunteer Ashley Campbell of Sheridan.
Headed by members of the IU Kokomo Student Government Association, the fundraising effort was also driven by students in several Freshmen Learning Communities. Lecturer in English Karla Stouse said discussion of the disaster and how students could help victims dominated classes in the hurricane's aftermath. Her students are currently gathering non-perishable foods for disaster victims. A collection of books, school supplies, and stuffed animals is being coordinated by EdSAC and meshED students organizations for those pursuing careers in education. Both efforts will continue through September 30 at IU Kokomo.
Umoja hosts relief concert
Singers and musicians from at least nine Kokomo churches will perform during a September 17 concert benefiting victims of Hurricane Katrina, set in IU Kokomo's Havens Auditorium. The multicultural student organization Umoja is teaming with the City of Kokomo to host the 6 p.m. concert. Admission is free; donations will be accepted for hurricane relief.
