Haiti Relief: Spelman Answers the Call

Dear Spelman Community:

I join with other members of the Spelman community in offering prayers and support to those who have been affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti.

We are currently trying to identify Spelman students with families from the affected areas in Haiti to assess the impact of the earthquake on their lives. We invite students from the affected areas to please contact the Student Financial Services Office, the Counseling Center, Sisters Chapel, and the Office of Student Affairs for assistance.

We take great pride in the compassion and generosity that the Spelman community extends to others who are in need. The Office of Student Life and Engagement, the Bonner Office of Community Service and Student Development, the Spelman Student Government Association, the Caribbean American Student Association, and Miss Spelman and Her Court are working to coordinate student volunteer efforts. There will be a meeting of the entire student body on Wednesday, January 20 at 6:00 p.m. in Sisters Chapel to discuss campus-wide collaborative efforts.

The meeting will be open to everyone. The Office of Student Life and Engagement has prepared the attached list of national and international organizations that are helping to provide relief to the people of Haiti and a list of relief project ideas for college students. Additionally, there are receptacles on the Manley Center Upper Concourse to collect toiletries and first-aid items to be distributed throughout the year.

There will be a prayer service in Sisters Chapel Friday, January 15, at noon. Additionally, both Sisters Chapel and the Lower Level Prayer Room will be open all day for students, faculty and staff who wish to use this sacred space to meditate and pray.

Many thanks to each of you for your prayers, compassion and generosity at this time.

Sincerely,

Sherry L. Turner, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

Five Ways You Can Help Haiti:

Text "Yele" to 501501 , which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill.
For those interesting in helping immediately, simply text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts. The donation will be charged to your cell phone bill.
You may also send donations to the Red Cross at 200 Piedmont Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29732. For more details, call 803-329-6575.
Visit https://www.haitichildren.com/donation/
Complete a volunteer form on http://www.cidi.org/ to get updates on opportunities to help.

International Aid Project Ideas for Haiti

AUC Prayer Wall for students
Spelman can sponsor a family or school in Haiti
Each organization can sponsor a family
Book drive for schools
Collecting bottled water and/or can items
Alternative Spring Break trip to Haiti
Host a fundraiser event and donate money to an organization
Students can have a ceremony remembering the lost victims
Host a Clothing Drive
Immediate assistance for Haiti students whose families were affected in the AUC.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Life and Engagement.
Share your ideas, thoughts and well wishes on the Speak Up, Spelman Blog