University groups are invited to send representatives to a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 17, to discuss a campus-wide effort to provide pre-approved health kits for Haitian earthquake relief.
The meeting for “Bearkats for Haiti” will be in the LSC Theater at 4:30 p.m.
Organizers include Rick Carpenter of the Sam Houston Press, John Yarabeck of the Dean of Students’ Office, and Max Adams of the campus Wesley Foundation.
“We think this will be a great way for Sam Houston State University to make a difference for Haitians who are hurting badly now, and a great way for us to make an appearance on the world stage as a responsible academic community,” Carpenter said.
“People may think that because the earthquake disaster was so devastating and on such a massive scale, they don’t have the resources to help as individuals,” he said. “But relief kits only cost around $10 to $14. It’s a small dollar amount that can make a huge difference.”
The kits are those called for by Church World Service. They are one-gallon zip lock bags containing basic hygienic necessities, which have been pre-cleared by U. S. and foreign customs officials for easy shipment and delivery with minimal paperwork, according to Carpenter.
“We are hoping that representatives of the social, academic, religious and service oriented student organizations, the Staff Council, and the Faculty Senate attend this preliminary meeting on Feb. 17, where we will present several kits that have already been collected and assembled by the Wesley Foundation,” said Carpenter.
A second planning meeting will take place on Feb. 24 and the collection of items will begin soon afterwards and conclude on April 30. At that time, the kits will be assembled and shipped.
For more information contact Carpenter at [email protected] or call ext. 41858.