Sept. 2, 2005

Morningsiders work together to aid hurricane victims

Morningside College faculty, staff, and students are working together to aid the victims of hurricane Katrina.

Initial efforts include:

• Launching the Buckets for Relief program and receiving a freewill offering for the victims at an all-campus worship service to be held at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the Randolph Room of the Olsen Student Center, 3609 Peters Avenue.
• Contributing half of the gate proceeds from the Morningside versus Northwestern College football game, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Elwood Olsen Stadium, to aid the victims.
• Sponsoring a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Olsen Student Center.
• Offering assistance to Dillard University, a United-Methodist-related college in New Orleans.

The Bucket for Relief program is an effort to gather basic necessities for the victims. The Church Relations Department at Morningside asks that people bring toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, hand towels, washcloths, and soap, to be put into packets and sent to the hurricane survivors at Lake Charles, La., through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). This collection effort will continue on campus through the month of September, and collection buckets will be located in Lewis Hall, 1501 Morningside Avenue, the Olsen Student Center, and the residence halls.

Additionally, people attending the service will have the opportunity to take one of several candles, representing the names of the towns affected by Katrina, home with them. The candle will serve as a reminder to pray for the residents of that town.

The public is invited to participate in these efforts.