More than 160 University students are working for the Easter Seal Society's 1990 "Buck-A-Cup" Coffee Day fundraiser, hoping to raise at least $10,000 for area disabled children.

Anyone can purchase Buck-A-Cup buttons for $1 until March 29, said Pennsylvania Easter Seals Director Al Bortree. A button entitles the purchaser to a free cup of coffee March 29 at participating restaurants and businesses.

"This campaign is funding the program in Centre and Clinton counties for the child development program, which serves special needs for children in the area," Bortree said.

The money raised, which will total less than 10 percent of the chapter's budget, will fund activities such as preschool and day-care programs, summer day camp and in-home physical therapy sessions.

Penn State basketball coaches Bruce Parkhill and Rene Portland will serve as this year's honorary chairpersons of Centre County's Easter Seal Society. During an afternoon news conference, Parkhill said the Buck-A-Cup campaign raises sorely needed funds.

"I think there's no question of the value of the Easter Seals Society," he said. "I'm just proud to be a very small part of it."

Easter Seals board member Kim Yarnell said the students are the backbone of the campaign. All the students are enrolled in the University course Special Education 400, which explores psychological, emotional and physiological aspects of mentally retarded, gifted and handicapped people.

Campaign activities include recruiting participants, bagging the buttons and delivering the buttons to the various sites, she said.

The students also spent time with the many children the campaign will benefit, Yarnell said.

Lisa Schneider, the University instructor who teaches the course, said she believes the hands-on work provides the students with valuable experience.

"We're always looking for practical things for them to do," Schneider said. "I think this gives them a role and a purpose."

Jennifer Ryan (sophomore-elementary education) said the campaign work is all worthwhile.

"I think the best part is being with the kids," Ryan said.