William Paterson student organizations, athletic teams, and various campus departments are joining together for Help for Haiti, a campuswide effort to raise funds for the earthquake-ravaged nation.

Collection efforts began at home basketball games on January 23 and will continue throughout the spring semester. All funds raised will be donated to the American Red Cross/Haiti Relief and Development.

“The entire campus has really joined together to support this fund-raising effort,” says Jess Pepe, president of the Student Government Association. “Our aim is to provide as much assistance as we can to the people of Haiti, who are in dire need of basic supplies.”

“The outpouring of support and dedication shown from our students reminds me of what makes William Paterson a special place,” says Francisco Diaz, assistant vice president for campus life. “The immediate support our community provided to respond to the needs of Haiti has been most inspiring.”

Not only has the campus responded to calls for fundraising, but also recognized the personal impact this earthquake had on members of the campus community. On February 3 a University Vigil for Haiti was held where students and staff gathered to remember the many lives lost and those who remain missing. The Vigil provided solemn moments of prayer, song and poetry. “The open mic portion found many students of both Haitian and non-Haitian decent demonstrating a genuine concern for the nation’s tragedy and for their fellow students and their families,” says Diaz.

More than 70 collection cans have been distributed by the SGA to student organizations, campus departments, and individuals who have pledged to raise funds. In addition, numerous events are being planned to raise funds, including a bake sale at common hour on March 9; A Haitian Cultural Night on March 23; the annual fashion show presented by the Haitian American Student Association on March 26; and a benefit concert tentatively scheduled for March 30. Fund-raising events will culminate with a campus Walk for Haiti on Thursday, April 8 from noon to 2 p.m. during common hour.

In addition, the Student Activities Programming Board is selling t-shirts for $5 to support Haiti relief; shirts are available in the Office of Campus Activities in the University Commons.

The needs and desire to help has also inspired individuals to participate in the campus effort in very unique ways. Graduating senior Vanessa Campos, who is majoring in fine art with a certification in education, has decided to extend her thesis project to donate funds to Haiti relief. Campos has created a series of hand-sewn dolls called “Scrappy Dudes,” made from recycled and donated materials. The dolls will be on sale at various Haiti relief events during the spring semester.

To make a donation to the campus relief effort, visit the SGA office, University Commons 319 or the Office of the Vice President for Student Development, University Commons 317, or contact Jess Pepe at x2739.