The Kent State Male Empowerment Network is developing a “Swipes for Harvey and Irma” initiative to make hurricane relief donations accessible and affordable to students, faculty and staff.

M.E.N. will accept food donations until Sept. 29. The organization encourages food purchased with meal plans on campus, or items students can “swipe” for.

Tweet from #MENofKentState:

Still accepting any nonperishable donation for the victims of hurricanes Harvey and Irma stop by the SMC to help. pic.twitter.com/wm2wX8vrHh

— #MENofKentState (@MENofKentState) September 19, 2017

“Every good man exemplifies giving back to the community,” said Donovan Vaughn, a junior managerial marketing major and president of M.E.N. “Asking for items that are accessible on campus makes it easier for people to donate to the relief.”

The organization has given back to the community in the past. In 2015, M.E.N. collected water bottles for the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. Vaughn said they raised about 2,000 water bottles.

Vaughn said he hopes to bring back that energy and offer aid to more people in need.

“It’s just an example of being in good standing in the community,” Vaughn said. “We’re stepping up to the plate and actually thinking of them.”

Vaughn said the organization plans to get donations to the disaster areas as soon as possible.

Members of the Kent community can drop off donations in the Student Multicultural Center office, located on the second floor of the Student Center.

M.E.N. is discussing further efforts to offer relief for victims of Hurricane Maria.

Carrie George is the diversity reporter. Contact her at [email protected].