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Hurricane Harvey: How you can help

August 31, 2017 in From the Cabinet

Many of you have asked about ways that you can assist campus efforts for Hurricane Harvey.  Listed below are three ways that you can contribute!

1. Monetary donations for the Houston Food Bank

Houston Food Bank – Thousands in the Houston area and along the gulf coast are now without easy access to food and are dependent on non-profit organizations such as the Houston Food Bank to feed their families each day. In lieu of canned goods or other non-perishable items, the Houston Food Bank is requesting the donation of funds that will help provide relief and recovery efforts for the fourth-largest city in the United States. Every $1 given provides 3 meals. Credit card donations can be given directly to the Houston Food Bank on their website.

Cash donations can be submitted to the Student Affairs Office located in Schwitzer Student Center, 210 and a check will be given to the Houston Food Bank once collections are complete.  Please contribute any cash donations by September 22, 2017 to Schwitzer 210.  

More information about the Houston Food Bank Organization can be found HERE.

2.  Give Blood

Indiana Blood Centers – The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey has left many without access to blood as local gulf coast blood banks are closed in the aftermath. As reported on RTV6, Indiana Blood Centers have contributed nearly 600 units of blood to help the relief efforts. Blood donations may be given at numerous donation locations in the Indianapolis area, including those in Greenwood and Downtown Indianapolis, that can be found. A blood donation drive in support of relief efforts is being planned on the UIndy campus for the near future, more information as details become available. 

 More information about Indiana Blood Centers can be found HERE.

3.  Purchase supplies for UMCOR Hygiene Kits

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) – The UIndy Office of Student & Campus Affairs & the Office of Ecumenical & Interfaith Programs are partnering with UMCOR to provide hygiene kit supplies to victims of Hurricane Harvey. Donations of the following items, along with their specific requirements, can be dropped off at the Student Affairs Office located in Schwitzer Student Center, 210 to be placed into kits for the relief efforts. Please drop off any supplies by September 22, 2017 to Schwitzer 210.  

Hygiene Kit Materials

  • 1 hand towel
    • 15 x 25 inches to 17 x 27 inches
    • Kitchen, cleaning, and microfiber towels not acceptable
  • 1 washcloth
  • 1 comb
    • Comb needs to be sturdy and longer than 6 inches long
    • No pocket combs or picks please
    • Rattail combs and combs without handles are acceptable with a minimum of 6 inches of teeth
  • 1 metal nail file or nail clippers
    • No emery boards, please
  • 1 bath-size soap
    • 3 oz. and larger sizes only
    • No Ivory or Jergens soap due to moisture content
    • Do not remove from original packaging
  • 1 toothbrush
    • Adult size only
    • Do not remove from original packaging
  • 6 adhesive bandages
    • ¾ inch to 1 inch-size
    • Common household Band-Aids
  • 1 plastic bag
    • One-gallon size sealable bag only
Thanks in advance for your support!

– Kory Vitangeli