How to help with tsunami relief

The presence of civic duty is spreading throughout Harrisonburg as organizations, businesses and charities work together in relief efforts for the tsunami disaster.

Jennifer Shaver, director of emergency services for the Red Cross in Harrisonburg, said the public has made great contributions. "The efforts have been tremendous … this is a very giving community," she said.

Shaver said many local businesses have jars set up so people can donate. The money then is donated to organizations such as the Red Cross.

"Money is the best thing right now," Shaver said. "Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s easier to have monetary distributions to get things [the victims of the tsunami] need and to build their economy."
The JMU bookstore also is collecting $1 donations for tsunami disaster relief.

The social work department organized "Asia/Africa Tsunami Relief Week," which began on Tuesday and will continue until next Wednesday.

The department set up tables in the Integrated Science and Technology/Health and Human Services building to collect money and personal items for the Red Cross and Mennonite Central Committee.

Karen Ford, assistant professor of social work, said one of her students, senior Julie Pokusa, contacted her over Winter Break to see how JMU could help out. Ford brought up the idea to her community social work class and they were eager to get started.

"This was one that was a real gut reaction," Ford said. "Our students know how to recognize need in society, and this is one responsibility of outstanding global citizenship."

About 20 students have signed up to help out with the project, Ford said. Pokusa was pleased with the efforts thus far, and said that on the first day of donations $192 was collected in four hours.

"We hope everyone will contribute, and this collection will inspire future efforts to support the victims of the tsunami in time of need," senior Anne Bradshaw said.