The sky was dark, but rain did not break through the clouds yesterday as Penn State and local community members gathered in front of Old Main to honor those affected by the Dec. 26 tsunami in South Asia.

"The planet we live on has shaken literally on its axis," said Brendan Gomez (graduate-human development and family studies), one of the vigil's organizers and speakers. "Your presence here is a beacon of light for these victims."

The vigil was part of Penn State's day of mourning for the victims of the tsunamis that destroyed coastal areas of the Indian Ocean, causing more than 150,000 deaths and widespread destruction.

Five speakers addressed the crowd of about 100, paying tribute to the victims while encouraging the community to participate in Penn State's relief efforts.

Behind them, students held flags of the countries most affected by the tsunamis, including Indonesia, India and Thailand.

Standing out among the crowd were children from the State College Friends School, dressed in raincoats and boots and carrying bright signs labeled "T.A.G.," which stood for "Tsunami Awareness Group."

"We're kind of sad about the people who died in the tsunami," first-grader Christina Curran said.

Curran's teacher, Dorothy Habecker, said the students formed T.A.G. to learn about the tragedy and raise funds for survivors.

"It's really important to teach about the tsunami and be involved," she said, adding that the children, though young, do have a basic understanding of the tragedy.

The students will hold another rally from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow in front of the Allen Street gates, reciting poetry and performing plays from the affected regions, as well as accepting donations for victims, Habecker said.

Jan Jacobs, vice provost for undergraduate education and international programs, said the vigil was both a tribute and a call to action.

Gomez said students can help victims by contacting the Office of International Programs, or by visiting quickhelpworld.com, a Penn State Web site designed to aid the relief effort.

"In small and big ways, you can make a difference in their lives," he said.

Executive Vice President and Provost for Undergraduate Education Rodney Erickson said Penn State is offering services to help students cope with the tragedy, including grief counseling from The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services and short-term, interest-free loans from the Office of International Programs.

"Penn State will pull together and offer any kind of support for students," he said.

Donation and information tables, which were hosted by student organizations from the affected region, were set up at the HUB-Robeson Center as part of yesterday's events.

Decha Sermwittayawong (graduate-biochemistry and molecular biology) from the Thai Student Organization was working behind a donation table at the HUB.

"I'm so glad to help many people," he said, adding that he has cousins in Phuket, Thailand, who were unharmed by the tsunami.

One student said he decided to donate money to the relief effort yesterday because of the horrible images he had been seeing on the news.

"I watched the news and saw a lot of people die, and the death toll is increasing," Tien Hong (junior-supply chains and information systems) said. "I just want to help."