YPCA solicits hurricane relief

Photo by Ellie Spaulding

Jenee High collects money from Kara Bender for the YPCA donation drive.

If every student gave $1 and every staff or faculty member gave $5, EMU could raise over $3,000 for hurricaine relief.

With this idea in mind, and a goal of $2,000, the Young People's Christian Association (YPCA) started a donation drive beginning last Friday, Sept. 9. Members have been collecting spare change after chapel and outside the cafeteria during meal times. Buckets were also set up at the Hartzler Library. The funds will go to MCC to help with their hurricane relief efforts.

Although YPCA is asking primarily for pocket change, they have happily recieved individual checks as high as $100. By Wednesday evening, they were already half-way toward their goal, according to Rachel Sims, co-president of YPCA.

Not every aspect of raising money is so rewarding. Sims sat faithfully outside the cafeteria on Tuesday morning with a large, empty bucket, asking passing students if they would donate. As most of the students passed by, saying they didn't carry cash, Sims only encouraged them to come back later. "Part of this is just raising awareness," she said.

Sims explained that the drive resulted from a general feeling that YPCA should do something to respond to the hurricane disaster. They wanted to start with something that would not require too much organization and avoid shipping costs. Although the drive officially ends Friday, Sept. 23, YPCA would continue accepting donations after that point.

They are also looking into other ways to help hurricane victims, including sending Y-trips to Louisiana. Sims said that the group was trying to feel out the feasibility and interest for a trip that would take place over Christmas break, either partnering with a group from JMU or sent separately from EMU. They do plan to send a group on spring break. Both opportunities would be supported by YPCA to keep the cost for volunteers around $100.