Student coalition strives to make holidays brighter for children displaced by Katrina

Student coalition strives to make holidays brighter for children displaced by KatrinaDecember 05, 2005SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

A coalition of students in Syracuse University’s Division of Student Support and Retention is organizing a $1 drive for some of the most vulnerable victims of Hurricane Katrina.

With the assistance of the Dunbar Center, the coalition has adopted six to nine children who, along with their families, relocated to the Syracuse area following Hurricane Katrina. The coalition is sponsoring a “$1 for a Wish” campaign this week to make the holidays brighter for these children.

For the campaign, which runs through Dec. 9, each child has been asked to create a wish list. Members of the campus community are invited to make monetary donations of $1 or more or of a gift from one of the wish lists. Call 443-3867 for information on what is on the children’s wish lists.

Donations may be dropped off at the following sites:

• 804 University Ave, Suite 303 (Office of Graduate Preparation Programs);
• 804 University Ave, Suite 009 (Office of Supportive Services); and
• A table in the Schine Student Center Atrium on Tuesday, Dec. 6, Wednesday, Dec. 7, and Thursday, Dec. 8.

“We are hoping that this small act of kindness will bring some happiness to the children, and their families, during this holiday season,” says Christabel Sheldon, assistant director of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program in the Office of Graduate Preparation Programs.

For more information, contact Sheldon at coseibo@syr.edu orPedro Luna at ppluna@syr.edu.