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All across the United States, thousands of Americans have came together in a time of need. Many people, including UM-St. Louis students have already volunteered their time and have donated money to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The Catholic Newman Center is one of the organizations at UM-St. Louis that has been working on collecting funds for those who have been in the hurricane.
Tracy Van De Riet, campus minister, said that this special collection has been taking place during their masses.
"This is an offertory collection that is happening diocese-wide," Van De Riet said. "The Archbishop requested that all Catholic churches in St. Louis participate in this collection."
Van De Riet said that all students can still give a monetary donation by visiting their table this week in the Millennium Student Center.
"We will be tabling for the Great Getaway event, which is an opportunity for students to get away and have fun, but we will also have jars where students can drop off donations," she said.
The Student Government Association, the Office of Student Life and other campus organizations are in the process of establishing more relief efforts.
"We booked the SGA Chambers for Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 3:30 p.m. to hold a meeting to discuss what SGA and other organizations can do to help," D'Andre Braddix, junior, criminology and president of SGA, said.
Braddix said that all students from every campus organization and campus club are encouraged to attend.
Numerous fraternities and sororities have held fundraisers, barbecues, car washes, can drives and have volunteered their time with the Red Cross.
Jamie Linsin, advisor of Alpha Phi Omega and psychologist for counseling services said that Red Cross has contacted APO to participate by giving blood.
Melissa Pastorius and Jen Noel, APO co-chairs for fundraising, have planned for other collections.
"We are having a school supply drive, helping to get supplies to students who are moving to St. Louis to go to school here," Pastorius said. "All of the supplies will be donated to Circle of Concerns and we also have jars to collect money for the Red Cross."
Bob Engert, vice president of pledge education with Sigma Tau Gamma said that their fraternity has been trying to do as much as they can to help.
"Normally, when we host parties, there is a cover charge, but this weekend we held a can food collection instead," Engert said. "We have been collecting can good items, bottled water, toiletries, raising money and are working on sending used furniture to the Salvation Army."
The Center for Trauma Recovery at UM-St. Louis is offering free therapy and counseling services to victims and survivors.
Sharon Smith, receptionist for the Center for Trauma Recovery said that therapy is free for anyone who has experienced trauma.
People all over the world are mobilizing to bring relief efforts to the victims. UM-St. Louis is continuing to show their support for this disaster.
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