Groups hope to raise $5,000 for victims

UNICEF KSU held an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss relief for the victims of the earthquake that devastated Haiti Jan. 12.

Taiwo Adesina, UNICEF KSU president, was back home in California when the earthquake occurred, she said. Members of BUS and Kent State NAACP called each other on the day of the disaster and decided to come together to organize a bigger fundraiser, Adesina said.

Students may donate clothes, food and other supplies, but monetary donations are more effective, offer a more direct approach and will get to Haiti faster, Adesina said.

Collection boxes will also be available at halls and department offices. The organizations are asking for items such as flashlights, clothes for children, snack foods, candles and sleeping bags.

Because UNICEF only accepts monetary donations, the organizations will likely donate the goods deposited at the collection boxes to the American Red Cross.

“It’s not going to be an overnight job,” said Robin Wright, president of the Kent State NAACP.

Wright said making sure people understand how long it is going to take to recover and rebuild Haiti is one of the organization’s goals.

Starting today through Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a table will be available at the Student Center where students can start donating. The table will be at the lobby on the first week. Adesina said their goal is to raise $5,000 to the victims of the earthquake in the next four weeks.

Students can also help to raise funds by donating at unicefusa.org. Students are asked to type Kent State University under the space dedicated to company when donating online.

Contact diversity reporter Mariana Silva at [email protected].