Student groups pool resources for earthquake aid

In light of the recent tragedy that struck Haiti, University of Cincinnati students are finding ways to help those in need.

From student organizations to individuals who want to make a difference, the UC community is coming together.

The College Republicans will collect donations in front of Tangeman University Center From Tuesday, Jan. 19, through Friday, Jan. 22.

“We noticed no one else was doing anything on campus, so we decided to take action,” said Haleigh Jones, a second-year Spanish student and director for recruitment of College Republicans.

“We’ve had some people make very generous contributions for college students,” Jones said. “And a lot of people have given us their change, which adds up quickly.”

The College Republicans teamed up with Matthew 25 Ministries, a disaster aid and humanitarian relief organization that has worked with Haiti for more than 10 years and is based in Blue Ash.

“Now we need to show the people of Haiti that they haven’t been forgotten,” said Joodi Archer, the development director and public relations coordinator for Matthew 25 Ministries.

Others are capitalizing on events that were already planned as a way to jump-start relief efforts.

David Oliveira Jr. and Wally Vega conceived special College Nights at The Mad Frog after an impromptu discussion.

“It was kind of spur-of-the-moment,” said Vega, a UC graduate. “We said, ‘Why don’t we just tell people to bring clothes, since they’re coming anyway?’”

The two spent 30 minutes before the event sending text messages to friends and asking for donations. As a result, they collected nine baskets of clothing.

“So then we said, since that was so quick, why don’t we make a video about it, go at it a little bit harder and see what we can do,” Vega said.

The two hosted a second College Night Wednesday, Jan. 20, at The Mad Frog. They plan to donate 30 percent of what they collected.

“Our generation has always been the generation of instant gratification,” Vega said. “Most of the college people now haven’t been a part of something like this. This is the first time they can really help out the people in need.”

The Hoxworth Blood Center has also played a role in helping Haiti.

“We just decided it was timely,” said Alecia Lipton, Hoxworth community relations manager.
Hoxworth raised $705 with 141 donors Friday, Jan. 15.

“It’s inspiring to me to see all of the students who do care,” Jones said. “And when I find people who don’t care, I view it as my responsibility and personal challenge to make them care.”