After raising $12,000 for a trip to the Bahamas, LifeLink PSU students have decided to instead donate the money to the earthquake victims of Haiti.
LifeLink PSU is a program developed by the Penn State College of Education's Special Education and Rehabilitation Services programs and the State College Area School District (SCASD) that helps high school graduates with disabilities.
"I wanted to go on the trip, but after I saw the video, I wanted to do something to help the people in Haiti out," said Claire Weaver, a LifeLink PSU student.
Program founder Teri Lindner said the day after the earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, the students sat down in the morning to discuss the situation and ways in which they could help out the victims.
The students then went around and decided to donate the money they had saved up for their trip, plus whatever money they would make in their next three fundraisers.
Though some students were reluctant to let their trip go, Lindner said after taking two votes, the majority of students agreed to donate the money.
Samara Williams said despite not planning on going on the trip, she was still willing to help out.
"It's my way of saying it's a good thing to do," Williams said.
Williams, whose Haitian grandmother left the country two weeks prior to the earthquake to visit family in Florida, said she is going to miss the souvenirs promised by her classmates. But she's enthusiastic to begin more fundraising.
"I'm still looking forward to it all," Williams said.
Student Joey Nelson got tearful after seeing a video of the devastation, saying he "didn't want to see [Haitians] suffering."
"We want to help them out by raising money for food, drinks and help them live a normal life," Nelson said.
Nelson said what also made him sad was seeing the amount of homeless children on the news.
"People should help them get adopted," Nelson said. "We want to help them."
Lindner said it is important for the students to stay motivated for their cause, especially when there is less media coverage in Haiti and people lose interest.
LifeLink PSU's upcoming fundraiser is the "Soup-er Bowl," a soup-tasting event with a live and silent auction on Feb. 21.
Items up for bid will range from autographed-signed footballs by Joe Paterno, New York City comedy club tickets, gift baskets donated from various businesses, vacation time-shares and several other items.
