Gainesville State College is answering the call to action.
On January 12, 2010, the worst natural disaster to affect the western hemisphere in decades struck our poorest and most vulnerable neighbors. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the small Caribbean nation of Haiti, just ten miles outside of the densely populated city of Port-au-Prince. Reports paint a grim picture for those who are affected by this tragedy. Below are brief descriptions of the efforts being made by GSC students on both the Gainesville and Oconee Campuses to respond to those who are in need. (All efforts must be registered and approved by the Office of the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management.)
Updated 02.01.2010
PTK Update Posted on February 1, 2010
On January 30, 2010, a wintery cold rainy Saturday, the neighbor Oakwood Wal-Mart across the street from Gainesville State College became a place of hope and inspiration as college students and club advisers from the Gainesville Rho Mu Chapter of the International Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, raised $1,633.40 in donations to be sent to the American Red Cross for the Haitian Relief Fund./P>
Club President David Spencer spearheaded the effort, securing and welcoming the generous donation of 45 dozen donuts from Krispy Kreme Donuts on Buford Drive, thanks to Francisco Moreno, General Manager. Wal-Mart shoppers were asked for any amount of donation they might want to contribute, and in return, could help themselves to a Krispy Kreme “thank you!”. With 2 hours still to go in the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. fundraiser, the donuts run out-- even with an extra 10 dozen added to the cause. As David Spencer described it, “ With two hours to go we were left without a single donut, but not willing to give up. The volunteers persisted and continued to call out for donations. And the community continued to give!”
Tables were set up at both entrances of the Oakwood Wal-Mart manned by enthusiastic student members of Gainesville State College’s Oakwood Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, as well as student volunteers from the GSC student body who were not affiliated with PTK. Family members of students were also present at times, and the three Oakwood PTK Club Advisors, Jennifer Feenstra, Gina Reed, and Ray-Lynn Snowden all worked the fundraising tables during the busy day.
David Spencer perhaps said it best when he wrote in an e-mail announcing the final $1,633.40 tally for fundraising efforts to the PTK membership: “Perhaps the best place to start is with thanks: A thanks to the people who braved the weather Saturday to volunteer their time, and the advisors who put their lives on hold to lead us, and a big thanks to the community that supported us.”
One hundred percent of the $1,633.40 raised is going to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief fund.
- GSC Students In Free Enterprise Team Plans Donation to Red Cross
The GSC SIFE Team plans to donate $3 from the sale of each of our discount cards to the American Red Cross. The Team is also contacting SIFE Alums who are originally from Haiti, Jamice Baptiste and Jeff Etienne, to see if they have any other suggestions to assist local business especially through Micro Loan programs. They already support the Amigos for Christ Micro Loan program in Nicaragua, and have seen the very positive contribution Micro Lending programs have made in that community.
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Oconee Campus Student Life Office Coordinates Supply Drive
Student Life is collecting supplies needed to support the victims of this devastating earthquake. We are working with Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless to make this happen.
Supplies Needed Immediately
Water
Non-perishable food items
Disinfectant wipes, wet body wipes, wet wipes
Antibiotic creams and ointments
Peanut butter
Canned meats
Diapers
Feminine products
Toiletry items (tooth brushes, tooth paste, etc.)
Blankets; tents (with poles)
Medical supplies (OTC)
MREs, Military meals ready to eat; freeze dried & dehydrated
There will be a box setup outside Sara Zerkel’s office in the Faculty Center, the lobby of the front office in the Administration building and there will be a box outside the Student Life Office in the Student Resource Center as well to collect the supplies. The drive will be held through February 26, 2010. If you have any questions, contact the GSC Oconee Campus Student Life Office at 706.310.6293.