About 10 students from Project Haiti gathered in front of the Allen Street gates this afternoon, shouting "Donations for the Haitians!" and collecting money for earthquake relief efforts.
Money collected will be donated to the Red Cross and Partners in Health, said Project Haiti fundraising chairwoman Cesare Jordan.
The group had about 10 members collecting money from 11 a.m. until sundown, Jordan (junior-supply chain and information systems) said.
"It's a little cold, but it's worth it," relief-effort volunteer Stephanie Gill (freshman-kinesiology) said.
Though they have not been able to count the donations yet, students have been very generous and the early collection estimate is about $500, Jordan said.
"We're really surprised by how many people are willing to help out," she said. "A lot of people have come by and said they are so appreciative of what we are doing."
One student came back multiple times, Jordan said, donating a total of $100.
Patrick Cummins (junior-environmental resource management) donated $5, walked away and then turned back to ask if he could help. He said he had been holding signs announcing the relief effort for more two hours. The weather was a little cold, he said, but he felt bad about the situation.
Students and community members have been very supportive, and the group is looking to continue its collections for relief efforts next week, Gill (freshmen-kinesiology) said.
The group has organized a sphaghetti dinner to benefit earthquake relief at 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at St. Andrew's Church, 208 West Foster Avenue. Tickets are $6 dollars at the door.
